BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla launched a sharp critique of Sunrisers Hyderabad after their lopsided defeat to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 on Tuesday, questioning the team’s decision-making during the chase. SRH were beaten by 82 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, a result that also marked Gujarat’s biggest win in the league in terms of runs. Chasing a target of 169 on a demanding surface, Sunrisers collapsed to 86 all out, handing Titans a convincing victory.
Shukla took to X to challenge SRH’s intent from ball one, arguing that the asking rate and the match situation did not call for early wicket-risking aggression. He wrote: “When you need just 160 (169) runs, why lose wickets trying to hit sixes right from the beginning.”
Earlier, Gujarat began their innings with momentum and built a total of 168 for 5. Sai Sudharsan played a key role, striking five fours and two sixes in his 44-ball 61. Washington Sundar provided another important acceleration, scoring 50 off 33 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving. Nishant Sindhu contributed as well, helping Titans post a chaseable-but-firm total on the back of a solid batting platform.
In response, the chase unraveled quickly. Mohammed Siraj set the tone in the powerplay, removing Travis Head for a duck. Kagiso Rabada then struck repeatedly, breaking down SRH’s top order that included Abhishek Sharma (6), Ishan Kishan (11) and Smaran Ravichandran (9), as the visitors slumped to 32/4 within 5.5 overs. Later in the innings, Jason Holder (3/20 in four overs) and Prasidh Krishna (2/23 in three overs) finished the job, bowling SRH out for 86. Sunrisers captain Pat Cummins top-scored with 19, but the rest of the batting could not build meaningful partnerships.
Rabada’s early burst and control earned him the Player of the Match award for his standout powerplay spell. With the win, Gujarat Titans improved their campaign to eight victories and four defeats, moving to the top of the points table on 16 points. Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, slipped to third place after suffering their fifth loss, finishing the day with seven wins and five losses and 14 points.
