A recently acquired player from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) put up a stellar bowling display in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT), taking a brilliant hat-trick during a match between Karnataka and Baroda.

Shreyas Gopal, who was bought by CSK for his base price of INR 30 lakhs at the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) auction in Jeddah, left the rival batsmen absolutely unfazed as he spun a web around him.

In the process, the 31-year-old dismissed star all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya for golden ducks.

Gopal’s hat-trick has already created quite a buzz among CSK fans, who are eagerly awaiting his performance in the upcoming IPL season, especially on the Chepauk tracks where spin can be made.

Notably, Shreyas Gopal also previously achieved a hattrick in the IPL and became the first bowler to achieve the feat in the Iran Trophy.

Karnataka succumbs to Baroda despite Shreyas Gopal’s heroics

Talking about the match, Karnataka posted a modest target of 170 but the contest became exciting thanks to Gopal’s spell of 4/19. However, despite Gopal’s exceptional performance, Karnataka succumbed to the contest by 4 wickets.

Baroda got off to a good start, boosted by Shashwat Rawat’s blistering 63 off just 37 balls, but the momentum soon changed dramatically as Gopal came into the attack. He not only dismissed Shashwat but also claimed the wickets of Baroda captain Krunal Pandya and his brother Hardik Pandya in consecutive deliveries, completing an incredible hat-trick.

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After Gopal’s heroics, Karnataka could not continue the momentum and maintain control of the party. A determined partnership between Bhanu Pania and Vishnu Solanki helped Baroda bounce back and guide the team to victory comfortably in the end.

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