Gujarat Titans suffered a close defeat against Rajasthan Royals In a close encounter of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, the result was ultimately decided with a good margin.
Despite having a star-studded bowling lineup, GT's execution in the bowling department has been nowhere near ideal. The star trio of Kagiso Rabada (2/42), Rashid Khan (1/39), and Mohammed Siraj (1/48) had some moments but failed to maintain discipline with line and length.
Speaking after the match, GT's batting coach Matthew Hayden admitted that the bowlers were a bit off their game as he analyzed his team's defeat in this thrilling encounter.
“I felt like a lot of our bowlers were a bit off their rhythm and particularly off their line. I think KG Rabada's figures were probably a little overpriced with the bowling he bowled today. I thought he was really good and the same with Rashid,” Hayden was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Hayden also pointed out that Siraj had an off day, while he suggested that both Rabada and Rashid were a bit unlucky not to take more wickets.
He further added, “Siraj had an off day, simple thing. When we reviewed his pitch map, it was a little too short, a little too wide, and that's just a great bowler having an off day. Whereas I thought Rashid could have really had a better day. There could have been a few more wickets in the wicket column and it was the same with KG Rabada.”
The former Australian opener explained Rabada's bowling pattern in detail, noting even small variations that proved costly in a high-scoring contest.
“If anything, KG bowled a little on the leg-stump line, behind the length. And the short, good-length balls were somewhat wide of the off stump. But we are splitting hairs in a lot of ways. The batsmen are now intent on scoring runs quickly.”
However, Hayden Admittedly, such good margins can make a lot of difference in T20 cricket, especially in such a tight finale.
The GT batting coach concluded, “It shows you the margins in these games – it's a defeat by six runs – are very small. But the point is certainly worth noting in terms of discipline and wides and the ability of our bowlers to consistently bowl the best ball.”
With consecutive losses, GT will now be keen to resolve the issues quickly as the tournament progresses. They are currently at seventh position in the points table.
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