In IPL 2025, Gujarat Titans fast bowler Ishant Sharma found himself in hot water after his team’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Following his on-field actions, Ishant was fined 25% of his match fee and given a demerit point for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. This incident occurred during an intense clash on Sunday night, adding to the excitement and drama of the ongoing IPL season. Let’s take a closer look at what happened, why Ishant was penalized, and how the match played out for both teams.
Ishant Sharma’s Penalty and the IPL Code of Conduct
The breach that led to Ishant Sharma’s fine occurred due to a violation of Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct. According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), this article deals with the “Abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment or fixtures and fittings during a match.” This includes any reckless or intentional actions, like hitting or kicking the wickets or damaging ground equipment in frustration. In this case, Ishant accepted the penalty and the decision of the Match Referee, which means the fine and the demerit point are final.
What Does Article 2.2 Say?
Article 2.2 is a crucial part of the Code of Conduct because it ensures players maintain professionalism during matches. It covers actions outside of normal cricket behavior that can damage equipment or the playing field. This includes damaging the boundary fences, advertising boards, or other fixtures, like mirrors or windows. For example, if a player swings their bat in anger and accidentally hits an advertising board, that would be considered a violation.
Ishant Sharma’s actions were found to have violated this rule, which led to his penalty. It’s important to note that for Level 1 breaches like these, the Match Referee’s decision is always final.
Ishant Sharma’s Tough Day on the Field
Apart from the fine, it was also a tough performance day for Ishant Sharma on the field. The Gujarat Titans’ bowler had a difficult time during the match, bowling his full quota of four overs without taking a single wicket. He ended up giving away 53 runs, which was a major factor in his team’s struggle to contain the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters.
Despite his efforts, Ishant could not make a significant impact, and SRH posted a total of 152 for 8. This total was relatively below par, given the high expectations of the Sunrisers’ batting lineup. Although the SRH total was not high, Ishant’s performance was seen as disappointing, especially considering his role in the team.
Other Standout Performances
While Ishant struggled, other bowlers in the Gujarat Titans lineup, such as Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, had excellent performances. Siraj picked up 4 wickets for just 17 runs, while Prasidh Krishna took 2 wickets for 25 runs. These brilliant bowling efforts helped the Gujarat Titans put pressure on the SRH batsmen and ensure they couldn’t build big partnerships.
Gujarat Titans’ Easy Chase to Victory
On the other hand, Gujarat Titans had an easy chase in the second innings, thanks to a solid performance from their captain, Shubman Gill. Gill played a brilliant knock, scoring 61 runs off just 43 balls. His quick-fire innings helped the team reach the target of 153 runs in only 16.4 overs, well before the required time.
With this victory, Gujarat Titans secured a comfortable win and moved up to second place on the IPL 2025 points table. The result was a massive boost for their team’s morale, especially after the struggles from some of their key players, including Ishant Sharma.
The Impact of This Loss on Sunrisers Hyderabad
The loss was a tough blow for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have now lost four consecutive matches in IPL 2025. This unfortunate streak has left them at the bottom of the points table. Despite a few small partnerships during their batting innings, they were unable to put up a big total, and their bowlers couldn’t manage to stop Gujarat Titans in the chase.
The result further emphasizes the need for SRH to regroup and focus on improving their performance in the upcoming matches if they want to climb out of the bottom and remain competitive in the tournament.
Conclusion
In IPL 2025, Ishant Sharma’s on-field performance and off-field actions led to both disappointment and controversy. While his bowling was ineffective in the match against SRH, it was his breach of the IPL Code of Conduct that grabbed headlines. The 25% fine and demerit point highlight the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism, both on and off the field. This penalty serves as a reminder for all players about the importance of respecting the game’s rules and the consequences of their actions. As for Gujarat Titans, they will be pleased with their win, but the match also highlighted the challenges their players, including Ishant Sharma, face throughout the season.
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