Gujarat Titans batting coach Matthew Hayden believes his team needs a more connected, cohesive approach in their run chases after suffering their second defeat in as many Indian Premier League matches in Ahmedabad. Chasing 211 against the Rajasthan Royals at home on Saturday night, Gujarat looked set early, reaching 107 for one in the 11th over, but a middle-overs collapse left them finishing on 161 for seven—unable to cross the line despite a promising start.
Hayden’s message: tighten up the chase
In the post-match interaction, Hayden pointed to decision-making and execution as the difference between staying on track and losing momentum. He singled out the moment Washington Sundar faced a key situation against a Rajasthan bowler who was already finding form.
- Hayden said he expects batters to be more cohesive during run chases, stressing that the early phase did not go badly.
- He referenced a specific turning point involving Washington Sundar and the decision around whether to go after Bishnoi, noting Bishnoi was “on a roll” at the time.
- Hayden suggested the batting unit should review that attacking choice and aim for clearer, more unified planning while chasing big totals.
- He added that, while nothing “major” appeared to derail the first 12 overs, the chase still needed a sharper collective rhythm afterward.
How the innings unfolded for Gujarat
Gujarat’s chase began with a strong platform. Sai Sudharsan and Kumar Kushagra combined for a 78-run opening partnership, giving the hosts an ideal platform to build from. Sudharsan contributed 73 off 44 deliveries, while Kushagra made 18 off 14 as the innings progressed well into the middle overs.
However, once Washington Sundar fell to Ravi Bishnoi, Gujarat lost momentum at a critical stage. The batting side then suffered another major setback when Shahrukh Khan was run out, a wicket that Hayden felt ultimately swung the contest.
- Gujarat reached 107 for one by the 11th over during their chase of 211.
- Sai Sudharsan made 73 (off 44) and Kumar Kushagra scored 18 (off 14) as the opening stand totaled 78.
- After Washington Sundar was dismissed by Ravi Bishnoi, the team slipped as wickets continued to fall.
- Shahrukh Khan’s run out further hurt Gujarat’s chances, contributing to a finish of 161 for seven.
The key wickets: Sundar, Bishnoi and the run-out
Hayden explained that the dismissal of Washington Sundar and the run-out of Shahrukh Khan were both pivotal, particularly because such small margins can decide games in T20 cricket when chasing a large target.
- He said the attacking choice against Bishnoi—during Washington Sundar’s spell of batting—was a decision worth reflecting on for greater cohesion in future chases.
- Regarding the run-out, Hayden noted that Shahrukh and Rashid had to make the call at the time, and he did not break down the ball-by-ball immediately as a coach typically focuses on the delivery rather than replaying every moment.
- He said he would be interested in reviewing the approach once the team returns to viewing footage of how the run was carried out.
- From the boundary line, Hayden believed it appeared Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja at extra-cover) had sent the ball a considerable distance away from himself before quickly regathering and releasing it.
Hayden also underlined the impact of two quick wickets that, in his view, could have been the difference in the chase—emphasising that even a handful of runs can matter hugely in T20 run chases.
- He highlighted that “two wickets straightaway” could have changed the outcome, pointing to the value of roughly six runs in a chase of this size.
- Hayden stressed that these fine details influence decision-making for a batting unit when targets are big—exactly the scenario Gujarat faced.
Next up for Gujarat Titans
Still searching for their first win of the season, Gujarat Titans will move on to an away match against the undefeated Delhi Capitals on Wednesday, looking to rebuild their chase strategy and put a more consistent plan into execution.
