Jason Holder: KG, Siraj set tone for all other bowlers to follow

For a second game on the bounce, Gujarat Titans kept a leash on a swashbuckling batting order and overhauled the target, even though there were a few hiccups along the way.

At a time when batters are shattering records in the Indian Premier League, GT is content in churning out results in an orthodox fashion. Jason Holder, who picked four for 24 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, swore by his team’s methods after its four-wicket win at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

“I think when you look at the history of this franchise, it’s been pretty consistent over the years. They’ve gone into the playoffs, they’ve won the competition, and it’s only their fifth year in the IPL. So, something that we’re doing has to be working.

“I guess that’s pretty much how it has been in our seasons in the past as well. The beauty about how we’ve been playing is that it’s not one individual doing it every single day. Different players are stepping up on different days. I think we have still not played our best game yet,” Holder said.

READ: GT vs PBKS, IPL 2026: Washington holds his nerve as Gujarat Titans edges past Punjab Kings

Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada laid the foundation for the win, restricting the table-topper to 35 for three in the PowerPlay. Holder then consolidated to leave PBKS reeling at 47 for five. 

The key to GT’s pacers firing this season has been down to an astute understanding and assessment of the conditions on offer.

“Credit to both KG and Siraj. I think they’ve been outstanding this entire competition. They’ve made it difficult for the opposition. That speaks volumes about their class. When they start, they set the tone in terms of what length works on the wicket. And then it’s just a matter for all the other bowlers to follow.

“I think it’s like any cricket game; you’ve got to go and assess first. And I think we’ve been able to assess quite well, and we’ve been able to make adjustments when necessary,” Holder said.

Despite a dominant bowling display, GT suffered due to its flimsy middle-order for the umpteenth time in this tournament. It lost three wickets inside 30 runs late in the innings and allowed PBKS to drag the game until the final over.

Holder said simply playing the situation in front could be the trick for GT’s misfiring middle order. “Our top order has been pretty consistent over the years, not only this year. So, I think the matter for the middle is just to come in and build a partnership with whoever is there from the top and take the game as deep as possible,” he said.

Published on May 04, 2026