Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans outclassed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs to take the top position in the Indian Premier League 2026 points table with a compelling all-round show at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.After half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan (61) and Washington Sundar (50) took the Gujarat Titans to 168 for seven, Kagiso Rabada (3/28) and Jason Holder (3/20) ran through SRH’s batting to script a fifth consecutive victory for the IPL 2022 winners.
Chasing 169, SRH were boweled out for 86 in 14.5 overs to suffer a heavy defeat.Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill had all smiles when he came for the post match presentation. “Teams batting first…worked out for us nicely. We bowled very well. We knew if we bowled well, we would always be in the game. We spoke about if we get anywhere near 160-170, it will not be easy for them with our bowling attack,” Shubman said. Shubman also lauded opening batter Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan struck a dogged half-century to give Gujarat Titans a solid start. He cracked five fours and two sixes on way to a vital 61 off 44 balls.Apart from Sudharsan, Washington Sundar chipped in with a fluent fifty. Washington’s 33-ball 50 with seven fours and a six was instrumental in adding crucial late runs on a surface which demanded application from the batters.“The way Sai and Washy batted, getting us close to 170, and then the way we bowled in the powerplay, kudos to both of our bowlers. It is all about being consistent and being ruthless. We are not a team who play a particular style and brand, and assess the conditions (and play according to it). (On Holder adding balance) he is such an experienced campaigner. He has been relentless for us, bowling four on the trot and he is doing a terrific job for us,” Shubman said.Gujarat Titans will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
