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In a thrilling showdown on Wednesday, the Gujarat Titans (GT) clinched an impressive victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and batter Sai Sudharsan has shared the inside scoop on what fueled their success. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sudharsan pointed to the pivotal role played by Jos Buttler, whose experience steadied the ship in the middle overs and paved the way for a explosive finish.
The match kicked off with GT winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Their decision paid off as they restricted RCB to a modest 170—a commendable effort spearheaded by the likes of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. “The way Josh and Bhuvi Bhai bowled was extraordinary,” Sudharsan praised, noting their ability to exploit a tricky wicket that posed challenges for both sides.
Chasing 171, GT stumbled early with skipper Shubman Gill falling for just 14. However, the innings was revived by stellar performances from Buttler, who smashed an unbeaten 73 off 39 balls (including five fours and six sixes), Sudharsan with a gritty 49 off 36 balls (featuring seven fours and a six), and Sherfane Rutherford, who sealed the deal with an unbeaten 30 off 18 balls (with a four and three sixes). The result? A comfortable win with 13 balls and eight wickets to spare.
Sudharsan didn’t hold back in praising Buttler’s impact. “I feel Buttler is bringing in a lot of experience and knowledge, which is helping us stabilize the middle overs and have an excellent last five overs,” he said. “It was excellent, I feel, because the wicket was not as easy as we can see.” He attributed part of their success to the left-right batting combination and the seasoned presence of Buttler at numbers 3 and 4, which allowed GT to adapt and thrive on a difficult pitch.
The wicket, according to Sudharsan, was a tough nut to crack. “Even RCB found it a little difficult in the first innings, but I felt it slightly eased out in the second innings,” he observed. GT’s strategy was clear: take the game deep and preserve wickets against RCB’s formidable bowling attack—one of the best in the league this year. “Whenever we chase a less target on a difficult wicket, the most important thing is wickets in hand,” Sudharsan explained. “After 8-9 overs, it got better, and we maximized the most out of it.”
Sudharsan also shed light on how his time with GT’s top-tier international bowlers has sharpened his game. “The practice time I get here with the Titans, with all quality international bowlers, has helped me even from the nets,” he said. “I’ve been exposed to a lot of difficult conditions, and playing for India and other leagues outside has deepened my understanding of the game and its basics.” This preparation was evident in his composed 49, which kept GT in the hunt during the chase.
Despite a few dropped catches, Sudharsan remained supportive of his teammates. “Whoever dropped the catches, they are still good fielders, and we put a lot of work into fielding every day in practice,” he insisted. He chalked up the errors to the challenge of adapting to varying grounds and lighting conditions. “Ahmedabad is different, Bangalore is different, and next, Hyderabad will be a bit different. It’s just a matter of getting used to that.”
With Buttler’s experience, a smart game plan, and a squad honing their skills against the best, GT showcased their depth and adaptability in this victory. Sudharsan’s insights reveal a team that’s not just riding on talent but thriving through preparation and strategy. As the Titans gear up for their next challenge, this blend of youth and experience could well be the recipe for more triumphs in the season ahead.
