Last season, Gujarat’s top-order batting often compensated for flaws elsewhere. This year, the balance has flipped entirely, with the bowlers carrying the side even when the batting produces only par totals. Against Hyderabad, Gujarat were just 68 at halfway, well below the tournament average of 95. Yet assistant coach Ashish Kapoor calmly insisted during a mid-innings interview that 160-170 would be enough. With only one sub-190 total having been defended before this game, it sounded bold. Gujarat finished on exactly 168 and defended it with complete control.
