Jason Holder had to wait for his chance at Gujarat Titans, but when it did arrive, the West Indies all-rounder gave the clearest reminder yet of why the franchise invested in him in the Rs 7 crore auction. Holder, who made the playing XI in place of Glenn Phillips, produced a decisive all-round display in Gujarat’s four-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday.The 34-year-old took 2/29, held three catches, including a rather controversial one, and then contributed with the bat in a 30-run stand with Rahul Tewatia as GT bowled out RCB for 155 and completed the chase in 25 balls. Naturally, he was named Player of the Match.For a Titans side who traded Sherfan Rutherford to Mumbai Indians in the off-season and were looking for a reliable middle-order option who could also play, Holder’s performance was a timely vindication. “When we were chasing Jason in the auction, we thought he would be able to do both roles, with the bat and the ball, so that’s exactly what he’s offering us,” GT director of cricket Vikram Solanki said. “If you look at the past calendar year and maybe a little bit longer, his numbers five and six were pretty outstanding.“Obviously, Holder has all the skills you need. Physically he’s a strong guy, he’s got a lot of reach and leverage with the bat, so all the technical aspects are covered. Now he brings that extra dimension, that sprinkling of stardust if you will, to be a really skilled fighter. I think that’s what he’s playing,” Solanki said.Holder’s impact was not limited to his goals. His catch to dismiss Patidar ended a 44-run stand and later he had sharp chances to send back Tim David and Krunal Pandya. With the bat, he helped maintain the chase alongside Tewatia.Solanki said Holder’s growing understanding of his own game, built up over years of international and franchise cricket, made him a valuable presence in pressure situations. “Over the years, he has shown in international cricket and franchise cricket how measured he is. He is only getting better,” Solanki said. “Any player who’s played that long around the world, led teams like him and been part of different teams, starts to understand what should be done in any given situation. Jason certainly does.”Holder played 96 T20Is for West Indies and captained the national side across formats. Solanki said the experience has benefited younger GT players as well. “A lot of times you come across individuals who have a lot of experience who might not be able to communicate that as well. Jason will always be willing to have conversations, whether it’s with the coaching group or the young lads around, to impart a bit of his experience,” said Solanki, adding: “It’s the perfect storm – an experienced cricketer who has experience, wants to be part of the team and is very honest.”
