Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans’ most dependable batting pair throughout IPL 2026, endured a rare collapse during Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala. The high-scoring playoff clash saw RCB completely dominate the contest early with the ball after posting a record-breaking total of 254 for five — the highest team score ever recorded in IPL playoff history.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar led the batting carnage with one of the finest knocks seen in an IPL knockout game. The right-hander smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, hammering five boundaries and nine towering sixes. Patidar completely dismantled the Gujarat Titans bowling attack and played a major role in rewriting IPL playoff records.
Krunal Pandya provided excellent support from the other end as the duo stitched together a game-changing 95-run partnership in only 47 balls. Krunal scored a fluent 43 off 28 deliveries, including five fours and two sixes, helping RCB maintain relentless pressure throughout the innings.
WATCH – Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya Punish Kulwant Khejroliya in Brutal 28-Run Over
Earlier, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal had also laid the perfect platform with a rapid 72-run partnership from just 38 balls. Kohli continued his outstanding IPL 2026 form with 43 off 25 balls, while Padikkal contributed 30 from 19 deliveries. Venkatesh Iyer added a quick 19, and Jitesh Sharma finished strongly with 15 runs from just five balls.
Chasing a mammoth target, Gujarat Titans needed a strong start from Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, who had dominated the tournament throughout the season. However, RCB’s bowling attack produced a stunning comeback after Sudharsan began aggressively with boundaries off the opening deliveries.
இது என்னப்பா Sai Sudharshan-க்கு வந்த சோதனை!
📺 தொடர்ந்து காணுங்கள் | TATA IPL 2026 | QUALIFIER 1 👉 #RCBvGT | JioHotstar & Star Sports 1 தமிழில்
#TATAIPL #TATAIPL2026 pic.twitter.com/v83MLXDtO7— Star Sports Tamil (@StarSportsTamil) May 26, 2026
The dismissal of Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan left fans stunned. Facing Jacob Duffy, the left-hander attempted another attacking shot after consecutive boundaries, but his bat slipped out of his hands and crashed into the stumps, resulting in a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal.
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Sudharsan became only the second batter in IPL playoff history to be dismissed hit wicket. Ironically, the previous instance had also involved a Gujarat Titans player when Kusal Mendis suffered a similar dismissal against the Mumbai Indians last season.
RCB tightened their grip immediately after the unusual wicket as Bhuvneshwar Kumar clean bowled Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill for just two runs, reducing GT to 27 and putting Bengaluru firmly in control of the Qualifier 1 clash.
