Shreyas Gopalcomprehensive foot-throne recently by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for 30 million rupees in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction, deliver a knock on door performance Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024 December 3.
Representing Karnataka, Gopal scored a sensational hat-trick against Baroda, including the superstar all-rounder’s valuable caps Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandyaboth dismissed for golden ducks. Despite Karnataka losing by four wickets, Gopal’s magical spell of 4/19 was the defining moment of the match.
Sensational start by Karnataka against Baroda in runs
Karnataka batted first and posted a competitive, albeit modest, 170 runs on the board. While their batting showed form, Baroda’s disciplined bowling kept Karnataka in check. The Baroda chase was initially just a formality with their top command firing on all cylinders. Shashwat RawatAn explosive 63 from 37 deliveries kept Broda firmly in check as they cruised towards the target with ease. However, the momentum changed dramatically when Gopal came into the attack. With Baroda on the roll, Gopal secured the much-needed breakthrough for Karnataka.
Amazing hat-trick in SMAT 2024: Major wickets of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya
Shreyas first removed the dangerous Rawati whose mis-hitting ended up in their safe hands Manish Pandey. Next, Gopal stunned the Baroda camp with back-to-back hits. Hardik, who came in with a characteristic feint, misread a deceptive delivery from Gopal, resulting in the dismissal of the golden bird. The next ball brought Krunal on, only for Gopal to trap him with an excellent shot to complete an amazing hat-trick. The Pandya brothers, the cornerstones of the Baroda batting team, were stunned as the crowd appreciated Gopal’s brilliance. His jubilant celebration showed the unmistakable joy of turning things in Karnataka’s favour, albeit temporarily.
Here’s the video:
Triple treatment 👌👌👌
🔟.1⃣ – Shashwat Rawat
🔟.2⃣- Hardik Pandya
🔟.3⃣ – Krunal PandyaRelive Shreyas Gopal’s brilliant hat-trick against Baroda in Indore 🎥 🔽
This is a hat-trick ball 🔥#SMAT | @IDFCFIRSTBank
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/VizwmvftQI pic.twitter.com/RxSHIVyqy5
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 3, 2024
Despite the devastation caused by Gopal’s magic, Baroda in partnership between Bhanu Paniya and Vishnu Solanki. The duo withstood the storm and stabilized the preparation with constructive persistence, which made Barado cross the finish line with four goals in hand. Gopal’s efforts, though extraordinary, could not prevent Karnataka from losing in this tight encounter.
Also WATCH: Gujarat Titans spinner Sai Kishore faces devastating 24-run attack in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024
New addition of CSK in IPL 2025
At 31, Shreyas Gopal has been in stellar form this domestic season. Returning to Karnataka in 2023-24 after a season with Kerala, he has already taken 10 wickets in the ongoing SMAT, adding to his reputation as a reliable all-rounder. Gopal’s early-season contributions helped Karnataka clinch their first win of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy campaign.
CSK’s decision to get him at his base price of 30 lakhs during the IPL 2025 mega auction seems like a smart move. Gopal brings not only his leg-spin skills but also valuable lower-order batting skills and years of domestic experience.
Gopal’s hat-trick against Baroda serves as a reminder of his ability to change games. His form in the domestic circuit will surely boost his confidence as he prepares for the IPL season with CSK. CSK fans and management alike will hope that Gopal continues his winning performances in the yellow jersey and is a key asset in the IPL 2025 campaign.
