Sunrisers Hyderabad’s ultra-aggressive batting philosophy got here below heavy scrutiny after their dramatic collapse towards the Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026. Former IPL chairman and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla questioned SRH’s strategy after the franchise was bundled out for simply 86 whereas chasing a manageable goal of 169 on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The defeat marked one in every of SRH’s worst batting performances of the season and uncovered their incapacity to adapt on a tough floor. In contrast to the flat batting tracks seen throughout a number of IPL venues this 12 months, the Ahmedabad wicket supplied motion for seamers and made stroke-making far more difficult.
Rajeev Shukla questions SRH’s shot choice
Following the heavy defeat, Rajeev Shukla took to X and appeared to criticise Hyderabad’s intent-driven batting fashion. His put up not directly focused the repeated makes an attempt from SRH batters to clear the boundary regardless of the pitch demanding persistence and sensible strike rotation.
“When you might want to rating 160, why lose a wicket attempting to hit sixes proper from the start,” Rajeev Shukla wrote after the match.
The comment shortly gained consideration on-line, with many followers agreeing that SRH’s batting lineup didn’t learn the situations correctly. Gamers like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen, who’ve dominated assaults all through the season, struggled badly towards disciplined seam bowling and further bounce off the floor.
Additionally READ: Fans erupt as Jason Holder’s all-round brilliance takes GT to a huge win against SRH in crucial IPL 2026 encounter
GT bowlers dominate on a difficult Ahmedabad floor
Earlier within the match, Gujarat Titans additionally discovered batting tough after being requested to bat first. Nonetheless, in contrast to SRH, GT’s center order confirmed persistence and adjusted nicely to the tough situations. Sai Sudharsan anchored the innings with a composed 61 off 44 deliveries, whereas Washington Sundar produced a vital unbeaten fifty to information the hosts to 168/5.
The overall ultimately proved excess of sufficient as GT’s tempo assault utterly dismantled Hyderabad’s batting unit. Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj set the tone with the brand new ball earlier than Jason Holder cleaned up the center and decrease order. Holder completed with spectacular figures of three/20, whereas Rabada claimed 3/28. SRH skipper Pat Cummins top-scored with simply 19 runs, highlighting the extent of the collapse.
SRH camp defends aggressive philosophy
Regardless of the embarrassing defeat, each Cummins and head coach Daniel Vettori defended the workforce’s batting mindset. Cummins insisted that one poor outing shouldn’t overshadow the consistency proven by SRH’s prime order all through the season. Vettori additionally described the collapse as a uncommon off-day somewhat than a serious concern. In accordance with the SRH coach, the franchise stays dedicated to its fearless batting id and believes the workforce can bounce again shortly within the remaining matches of IPL 2026.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Jos Buttler pulls off a superb diving catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen during GT vs SRH clash
