Former IPL chairman and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has criticised Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting approach after the franchise suffered a heavy defeat to Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. Shukla questioned why SRH’s ultra-attacking intent resulted in a dramatic collapse, as Gujarat delivered a dominant all-round display to move to the summit of the IPL 2026 points table.
Gujarat Titans’ statement win in Ahmedabad
- Gujarat Titans registered an emphatic 82-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad.
- With the result, GT climbed to the top position on the IPL 2026 points table.
How the match played out: from 168/5 to 86 all out
After being invited to bat first, Gujarat posted 168/5, building a platform through steady contributions and key finishing moments.
- Sai Sudharsan made a composed 61 to anchor the innings.
- Washington Sundar produced a crucial half-century that helped Gujarat move to a competitive total.
In reply, SRH’s batting order—despite its reputation for explosive batting—collapsed in a way that left the chase beyond reach.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 86 in 14.5 overs.
- Jason Holder took three wickets for Gujarat.
- Kagiso Rabada also claimed three wickets as SRH’s innings crumbled.
Shukla’s reaction: ‘Hit sixes, lose wickets’ concern
Following the match, Rajeev Shukla shared a pointed message on X, targeting SRH’s batting mindset during the chase. His post questioned the logic of going after big shots early when the required run rate was not overly demanding.
In Hindi, Shukla wrote: “जब सिर्फ 160 रन ही बनाने हैं तो आते ही छक्के जड़ने की कोशिश कर विकेट क्यों गंवाने” — which translates to: “When you only need to score 160 runs, why lose wickets trying to hit sixes right from the start?”
Chaseability, SRH’s style, and Vettori’s response
A target around 169 in T20 cricket is typically viewed as chaseable, particularly for a batting unit that can hit quickly—featuring power-hitters such as Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. However, SRH’s usual aggressive plan was undone by Gujarat’s disciplined bowling.
Even with the lopsided result, SRH head coach Daniel Vettori defended the batting unit. He framed the collapse as an unusual off-day rather than evidence of a deeper problem, while also pointing out that the chase was still considered realistic at that score.
- Vettori said SRH knew they needed a strong start, but they were unable to provide it in the match.
- He added that if Gujarat had put up 200, the chase would have been extremely tough, but at 169 SRH believed they had a genuine chance.
- Vettori insisted the team will stick with its aggressive philosophy and did not want to pin the loss purely on the batters.
- He described the season’s batting performance as “exceptional,” adding that every team experiences a brief dip during a campaign.
- He concluded by stating SRH understands how they want to play and acknowledged the conditions they were facing.
Despite the setback, the franchise insists it remains committed to its brand of intent, even as Shukla’s remarks highlight how quickly an attacking plan can unravel when wickets fall early.
