'That was a big mistake': Irfan Pathan highlights Shubman Gill's tactical blunder during DC vs GT thriller

India's World Cup-winner Irfan Pathan has highlighted a big tactical lapse by Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill, despite the team’s narrow one-run win over Delhi Capitals (DC) in their IPL 2026 clash. While the win at the Arun Jaitley Stadium finally opened GT’s account in the IPL 2026 season, Pathan was quick to point out a decision that nearly swung the momentum back to the opposition.

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Irfan Pathan on Shubman Gill's tactical miss in DC vs GT thriller

The critique centered on Gill's choice of bowler for the final over of the powerplay. Pathan took issue with the captain turning to uncapped pacer Ashok Sharma at such a critical juncture, especially with the set pair of KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka at the crease. The gamble proved costly, as the batting duo dismantled the young bowler, plundering 23 runs from the over and giving Delhi a massive boost in their chase.

"Bowling Rashid in the powerplay was a good call. But they brought in Ashok for the last over. I felt that was a big mistake. KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka like pace. This guy gives pace, but the pitch was not suitable for that. If you give the last over of the powerplay to an inexperienced bowler on a black soil pitch, it is a mistake," Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

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Rashid Khan earns Pathan's praise

Despite the expensive powerplay over, the tactical slip did not cost Gujarat Titans the match. Defending a formidable total of 211, GT relied on the nerves of Prasidh Krishna during the high-pressure death overs. The pacer delivered a clinical final over, restricting the Delhi Capitals to just 12 runs and securing a nail-biting victory.

The foundation for this successful defense was laid earlier in the innings by Rashid Khan, who turned the tide with an exceptional spell. Finishing with figures of 3 for 17, the leg-spinner dismantled the DC middle order by claiming the crucial wickets of Nitish Rana, Sameer Rizvi, and Axar Patel, effectively stalling the opposition's momentum before the final stretch.

"The biggest positive for Gujarat was Rashid Khan's form. Rashid Khan's leg spin turned a lot. He got a lot of spin in his first over. Now, when he gets so much turn on the leg spin, it makes the googly even more dangerous," Pathan added.

GT, who registered their first win in the ongoing season after edging DC, will next take on Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 12.