Sai Sudharsan Reflects on GT’s Tactical Blunders
AHMEDABAD — Gujarat Titans’ top-order batter Sai Sudharsan admitted the team “didn’t react well” to the explosive opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi, which powered Rajasthan Royals to a dominant victory in their IPL clash on Tuesday.
A Missed Opportunity in the Field
The turning point may have come as early as the second over, when a miscued shot from Jaiswal was dropped by Jos Buttler, despite a closer fielder being in position.
“We could have and we should have taken that catch… that would have made a big difference,” said Sai Sudharsan. “But it was still early in the game, so we can’t be so harsh.”
The Royals made GT pay dearly, with Suryavanshi and Jaiswal combining for a 166-run stand in just 11.5 overs. The prodigious teenager smashed a 38-ball century — the youngest ever in men’s T20 cricket — while Jaiswal anchored the chase with 70* off 40.
Par Score? GT Misread the Conditions
Gujarat had posted 209, believing it to be a strong total.
“We felt it was par or ten over par… but the way they started and batted showed us we were wrong,” said Sai Sudharsan, who scored 39 off 30 and reclaimed the Orange Cap.
However, Rajasthan’s response was immediate and overwhelming, racking up 87 runs in the powerplay alone and sealing the win with more than four overs to spare.
Bowling Plans Fell Apart
Sudharsan credited RR’s batting brilliance but also highlighted GT’s tactical shortcomings.
“We could have reacted better… not bowled into [Vaibhav’s] arc, maybe gone wider or adjusted based on how the pitch behaved in the first innings.”
Despite Vaibhav’s brilliance, GT bowlers failed to adapt their lengths and strategies during the powerplay and beyond.
Sai Kishore Underused Again
A puzzling trend continued as R Sai Kishore — GT’s second-highest wicket-taker — bowled just one over, long after the game had tilted toward RR.
“He came on very late… and he’s someone who likes the challenge,” said former India pacer Varun Aaron.
“They’ve been doing this for the last 3–4 games,” added commentator Ian Bishop. “Are you saying he can only bowl to right-handers?”
The decision raised eyebrows, especially as other bowlers leaked heavily during RR’s assault.
GT Still in Strong Playoff Position
Despite the loss, GT remains in third place on the IPL 2025 points table, with 12 points from nine matches. Their next fixture is a home game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday — a key opportunity to bounce back and fine-tune their strategy for the business end of the tournament.
