‘I’m going to try some grip tech now’ – Sai Sudharsan is hit wicket again – Sai Sudharsan’s Rare Hit-Wicket Streak: A Bizarre IPL Phenomenon

A Record No Batter Wants

In the high-stakes environment of the IPL, professional cricketers train for every conceivable scenario. However, few could prepare for the sequence of events that has defined Sai Sudharsan’s recent playoff campaign. Being dismissed hit-wicket is a rare occurrence in T20 cricket, but for the Gujarat Titans (GT) opener, it has become a recurring, almost surreal nightmare, happening in consecutive games during the most critical stage of the tournament.

With this latest dismissal against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2, Sudharsan has now recorded three hit-wicket dismissals in his T20 career. He joins an elite but unwanted group, alongside veterans Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik, as one of the few players to achieve this statistic three times in the format.

The Freak Dismissals: A Closer Look

The first of this bizarre sequence occurred in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Sudharsan had started his innings with fluency, looking set for a big score. However, in the third over, while attempting a cut shot against Jacob Duffy, his bat slipped from his grip. In a cruel twist of physics, the bat ricocheted off the ground and struck his leg stump before the ball even had the chance to reach the boundary.

The deja vu was instantaneous during the Qualifier 2 clash against Rajasthan Royals. Chasing a mammoth target of 215, Sudharsan was in sublime touch, having raced to 58 off just 32 deliveries. While driving a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma, his bat flew from his hands during the follow-through, crashing directly into the stumps. The reaction from the crease was one of pure disbelief, with Shubman Gill dropping to his knees at the non-striker’s end as the realization set in.

A Humorous Approach to Adversity

Despite the frustration of back-to-back dismissals, Sudharsan has maintained a surprisingly lighthearted perspective. When asked by broadcasters about the incident, he joked, “I think I should try some things. I’m going to try some grip tech now and just bat a few balls and see how it is. But honestly, I don’t have a lot of answers on how it happened.” He playfully added, “Seriously, last game the bat just bounced a few times and hit the stumps. But this game, I just wanted it to hit straight away, I think!”

The Gill-Sudharsan Partnership: The Backbone of the Titans

While the hit-wicket dismissals captured headlines, the underlying narrative of the Gujarat Titans’ 2026 season remains the formidable partnership between Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill. The duo produced a stellar 167-run opening stand in the Qualifier 2 victory, effectively setting the tone for the chase.

Both batters have now crossed the 700-run milestone for the season, a testament to their consistency and mutual understanding. Reflecting on their chemistry, Gill noted, “Honestly, I think we complement each other very well. We understand each other’s game. When we are batting out there, our communication is very good. We know one of us has to take down one of the bowlers.”

Looking Ahead to the Final

For Sudharsan, the journey with the Gujarat Titans has been one of continuous growth. Having gained valuable exposure in his first few years with the franchise, he views these challenges as part of a larger developmental curve. “I think the partnership with Gill has definitely evolved over the years,” Sudharsan reflected. “I had great experiences in the first few years with the GT team, which gave me exposure on what I want to improve. This year, there are so many points where I can improve, so I will work on that and come back.”

As the Gujarat Titans prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final, the focus shifts back to cricket. Whether or not he employs new “grip tech,” Sudharsan’s ability to contribute at the top of the order remains a key weapon for the Titans as they hunt for the championship trophy.