'Aise hi 3d player thode bolte hai isko' - Fans react as Vijay Shankar helps GT clinch an amazing victory over KKR in IPL 2023

KKR vs GT (Source: Twitter)

In the 39th match of the Indian Premier League 2023, Gujarat Titans faced Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Chasing 180 runs, GT clinched an amazing victory as they beat KKR by seven wickets. Riding on Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz's amazing half-century and a fiery knock from Andre Russell, KKR posted a competitive total of 179/7 in 20 overs.

Earlier, after winning the toss, GT skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl first and called the hosts to bat on the batting-friendly track. His decision went well with the visitors as KKR failed to capitalise on the opportunities. After being four down for 88 runs in 10.4 overs, KKR were in trouble as opener N Jagadeeshan scored 19 runs off 15 balls with the help of four boundaries before being dismissed by Mohammed Shami.

Following his departure, KKR decided to take a chance and sent Shardul Thakur to bat at third number. Their choice backfired, as Shardul was dismissed for a duck by Shami. Sunil Naraine, Rinku Singh, and Captain Nitish Rana didn't perform. In the end, Gurbaz and Andre Russell helped KKR reach a respectable total. Russell hit three sixes and two boundaries in his 19-ball innings to score 34 runs.

GT pacers assisted the team in controlling the run flow. Star India pacer Mohammed Shami took three wickets, while Joshua Little and Noor Ahmed each drew two wickets. Skipper Hardik Pandya and Mohit Sharma both went wicketless. Meanwhile, Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan had a terrible day, going for 54 runs in four overs.

KKR crumbled against Gujarat's counterattack

Chasing 180 runs, GT got a perfect start as opener Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha added 41 runs for the opening wicket in four overs. Saha was dismissed by Andre Russell for just 10 runs off 10 balls. After his dismissal, skipper Hardik Pandya along with Gill added 50 runs off 39 balls for the second wicket. Pandya, in his innings, scored 26 runs off 20 balls with the help of two boundaries and a six.

After his departure, Gill also threw his wicket in the very next over as he was dismissed by Sunil Narine. Gill scored 49 runs off 35 balls with the help of eight boundaries. After two players went down in quick succession, all-rounder Vijay Shankar and David Miller curated an amazing partnership to register the victory.

Shankar played a match-winning knock of 51 runs off 24 balls with the help of five sixes and two boundaries. Meanwhile, Miller scored 32 runs off 18 balls with the help of two sixes and as many boundaries. They added unbeaten 87 runs for the fourth wicket. Harshit Rana, Andre Russell and Sunil Naraine clinched a wicket each while others went wicketless for KKR.

Here is how fans react to KKR's batting:

VijayShankar 😵 pic.twitter.com/l6SCxkuTi5

— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) April 29, 2023

Really good to see how Vijay Shankar improved himself and if he can bowl some overs in middle he is coming back to the team for sure in CWC

— Pritom Roy (@pritomroy18) April 29, 2023

KKR Victory would have good for tournament now they are out of tournament

— Rahul Sharma (@RahulSh24082787) April 29, 2023

I see shameless captansy in history of ipl.
No overs of wiese ☹️
No overs of shardul🙄
No full overs of Narine 🥺
Then he tired ,he comes to bowl😤.

Shameless Nitesh Rana 😡

— jaydip kadavla (@JKadavla) April 29, 2023

#GT always show how to win matches as a team not as individuals, fantastic run chase & amazing victory 👍 every match, every player come with a winner so it's team effort of #GT that made them a top team of #IPL 👏

— Mittul Bakshi (@mittul_bakshi25) April 29, 2023

Thats due to great Bowling by fraud Varun chakravarthy ! Worst bowler in the History of IPL

— Prakash Jha (@Prakash34927211) April 29, 2023

Guy performs only during world cup years pic.twitter.com/AGajCKpHHh

— SANKET (@oye_protein) April 29, 2023

Happy to see Vijay Shankar's redemption this season 👏😍

— Ayush Anand (@crictopher014) April 29, 2023

First 12 ball - 12 Runs
Next 12 ball - 39 runs

It's wc Year and Lord Shankar coming back to hunt no 4 spot again

— Raktim Ranjan Goswami (@raktim_goswami) April 29, 2023