BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla took aim at Sunrisers Hyderabad after their lopsided IPL 2026 defeat to Gujarat Titans on Tuesday. SRH were beaten by 82 runs, with GT posting their biggest-ever win in the league by runs.
Batting first, Gujarat Titans put up 168 for 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for just 86 while chasing 169 on a difficult wicket, handing GT a dominant victory.
Quick facts
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2026 (Tuesday)
- Result: GT won by 82 runs
- GT innings: 168/5
- SRH innings: 86 all out (chasing 169)
- Shukla criticised SRH’s early approach to batting and shot selection
Shukla voiced his concerns on X, questioning why wickets were sacrificed while trying to clear the boundary early in the chase. He pointed out that SRH were not chasing an imposing number, and argued that a more measured plan was needed given the target was below par.
“When you need just 169 (160) runs, why lose wickets trying to hit sixes right from the beginning,” Shukla wrote on the platform.
For Gujarat, Sai Sudharsan played the anchor role and then accelerated, striking five fours and two sixes in his 44-ball knock of 61. Washington Sundar followed with a brisk 50 off 33 deliveries as GT built a total they could defend.
Nishant Sindhu also made an impact with 22 as Gujarat reached 168 for 5. The foundation from the top-order ensured SRH faced a chase that required both precision and patience.
How the chase unfolded
SRH’s pursuit began poorly as Mohammed Siraj struck early, dismissing Travis Head for a duck and setting the tone in the powerplay. Kagiso Rabada then tore through the top order, removing Abhishek Sharma (6), Ishan Kishan (11) and Smaran Ravichandran (9) to leave Sunrisers Hyderabad reeling at 32/4 after 5.5 overs.
Jason Holder continued the pressure with figures of 3/20 in four overs, while Prasidh Krishna added 2/23 in three overs. SRH were eventually dismissed for 86, with captain Pat Cummins making 19 as the leading score for the side.
Rabada’s burst in the early overs earned him the Player of the Match award for his powerplay spell, a key factor in swinging the contest in GT’s favour.
With the win, Gujarat Titans improved their season record to eight victories and four defeats, moving to the top of the points table with 16 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, slipped to third with seven wins and five losses, ending on 14 points.
