Matthew Hayden has urged the Gujarat Titans’ batting unit to show greater composure and cohesion after their second consecutive defeat in IPL 2026. The Titans fell short in a high-scoring chase against the Rajasthan Royals, failing to overhaul a target of 211 despite a strong start at home. Chasing a daunting total, Gujarat appeared in control early on.
An opening partnership of 78 between Sai Sudharsan and Kumar Kushagra laid the perfect platform, with Sudharsan anchoring the innings with a fluent 73 off 44 balls. At 107/1 in the 11th over, the Titans were well on track before a dramatic middle-order collapse derailed the chase.
Hayden pointed to key moments that shifted momentum, particularly the dismissal of Washington Sundar against Ravi Bishnoi.
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“Washy had a big decision to make about whether to take on Bishnoi when he was on a roll. That’s something he will reflect on,” Matthew Hayden said in the post-match press conference. “It’s about being more cohesive in run chases because not much went wrong in the first 12 overs.”
The Australian great also highlighted the costly run-out of Shahrukh Khan, which compounded Gujarat’s troubles during the middle phase. “The run-out was another critical moment. These decisions, especially in tight chases, can make all the difference,” Hayden added, while also acknowledging the sharp fielding effort from Ravindra Jadeja.
Gujarat eventually slipped from a commanding position to 161/7, losing control of the chase in a matter of overs. The collapse underlined their over-reliance on the top order, an issue Hayden believes needs urgent attention.
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With back-to-back defeats to start their campaign, the Titans now find themselves under early pressure alongside Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, who are also yet to find momentum this season. Gujarat Titans will next face an in-form Delhi Capitals in an away fixture, where a more disciplined and collective batting effort will be crucial if they are to open their account in IPL 2026.
