Gujarat Titans have undergone a striking shift in fortunes during the 2026 Indian Premier League, with a run of form that has quickly changed their identity from early-season strugglers to genuine contenders. Led by Shubman Gill, the franchise has bounced back after a shaky beginning that included consecutive defeats. Now, they have strung together five straight victories over sides sitting in the upper half of the points table, a surge that has moved them to the summit with 16 points and brought them within touching distance of playoff qualification.
Turnaround capped by dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad
The latest statement from GT came at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 12, when they produced a heavy 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Batting conditions appeared far from friendly for hitters, despite the fact that IPL pitches in recent times often reward strokeplay on more even surfaces. Even so, Gujarat posted a competitive total of 168 after losing wickets early in their innings.
- Match: Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Date and venue: May 12, Narendra Modi Stadium
- Result: GT won by 82 runs
- Total: GT made 168 despite early dismissals
- SRH outcome: SRH were dismissed for 86 in the second innings (within 15 overs)
- Historical note: 86 is SRH’s lowest ever IPL total
Key batting contributions from Sudharsan and Washington Sundar
GT’s batting effort was anchored by Sai Sudharsan, who played the role of stabiliser as the innings took shape. Sudharsan scored 61 off 44 deliveries, providing the foundation when wickets fell early. Washington Sundar then added another crucial burst in the middle overs, striking a rapid half-century that helped Gujarat set a target SRH struggled to match in the chase.
- Sai Sudharsan: 61 off 44 balls
- Washington Sundar: half-century in the middle order
Bowling masterclass dismantles SRH’s explosive batting core
While the pitch looked tricky for batters, GT’s bowling unit made the most of the conditions to break down an SRH line-up known for its power. The Titans managed to control the flow of runs and apply pressure on the chase, targeting the kind of aggressive batting that includes dangerous names such as Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head.
SRH’s chase collapsed in a hurry, with the side managing just 86 before being bowled out inside 15 overs—an effort that also became the franchise’s lowest total in IPL history. In an evening where scoring was not straightforward, Gujarat’s discipline and execution proved decisive.
Kris Srikkanth’s analysis: Siraj’s rise, Sudharsan’s evolution, Sundar’s promotion
Former India captain Kris Srikkanth analysed GT’s dominance during this season, particularly the manner in which they overpowered the Pat Cummins-led SRH. Srikkanth praised the way the franchise’s management has extracted maximum value from the squad at its disposal, despite not having a roster that could be described as star-studded on paper when compared with some other teams.
He also pointed to Mohammed Siraj as a player whose importance has grown steadily within this Gill-led setup. Srikkanth noted that Siraj had often gone unnoticed or struggled with inconsistency during his long spell with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but he has become a major factor for GT—especially after being acquired for INR 12.25 crore ahead of the 2025 season.
- Siraj’s role: crucial powerplay and death-overs bowler for GT
- Season wickets: 13 wickets in the 2026 campaign
- 2025 milestone: 16-wicket debut season for GT
- RCB highlight: best return was 19 wickets in 2023
- Economy improvement: around 8.22, improved compared to earlier seasons
- Notable spell vs SRH: 1/11 in 3 overs, including a maiden over
Srikkanth further argued that Sudharsan’s transformation has been one of the most significant stories of GT’s season. He suggested that many teams would not have backed Sudharsan in T20 cricket because of his stylish approach, yet Gujarat have reshaped him into a serious threat as a top-order batter while still keeping his natural game intact.
Another tactical shift, in Srikkanth’s view, has been Washington Sundar’s promotion to No. 4. Sundar was once primarily viewed as a bowling all-rounder, but he has now emerged as a reliable middle-order contributor with the bat. Srikkanth specifically connected the franchise’s faith in Sundar’s role to his improved impact, highlighting how GT have made him a more meaningful batting presence.
- Change in batting order: Sundar promoted to No. 4
- Nature of role: evolved from bowling all-rounder to middle-order batting contributor
Srikkanth’s comments, delivered on his YouTube channel, also emphasised the contrast between Siraj’s past and present. He remarked that Siraj had been “terrible” with RCB but is now lethal as a bowler, while also stating that not many teams would have taken Sudharsan in the way GT did—yet Gujarat have pushed him to a different level. He also linked Sundar’s batting and adjusted positioning to the way the Titans have turned him into a batting all-rounder, including the idea that GT have made Washington Sundar score at No. 4.
Beyond those structural changes, the former captain underscored what makes GT’s batting depth and all-round balance effective. Sudharsan has been a major acquisition value story as well, bought for just INR 20 lakh in the 2022 mega auction. Since then, he has produced three straight IPL seasons with 500+ runs, including 501 runs in only 12 matches in the current campaign after his career-best Orange Cap winning run of 759 in IPL 2025.
As for Sundar, Srikkanth added that his best batting season since his IPL debut in 2017 is already taking shape. The all-rounder has scored 296 runs so far in 2026, featuring two half-centuries, reinforcing that his contribution has grown in a way that matters in match-defining phases.
What lies ahead for GT: playoffs and the push for a second title
For Gujarat, the next step is clear. Since their arrival in 2022, they have qualified for the playoffs in every season, and they also won their maiden IPL trophy under Hardik Pandya in that inaugural year. Now, with eight wins already on the board this campaign and momentum that has placed them at the top of the table, the focus will be on converting their improved position into another championship push.
- GT have qualified for playoffs every season since 2022
- They won their maiden title in 2022 under Hardik Pandya
- Current campaign record mentioned: 8 wins
- Immediate target: capitalise on their strong table position and push for another title
