‘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

An Unprecedented Run of Misfortune

In the high-stakes environment of the IPL, dismissals are often analyzed through the lens of technique, footwork, or tactical errors. However, Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan has found himself at the center of a statistical anomaly that defies conventional cricket logic. Being dismissed hit-wicket once is typically viewed as an unfortunate lapse in concentration or an awkward bit of body movement. To experience it twice in consecutive playoff matches, however, is a bizarre occurrence that has left even the most seasoned observers and teammates searching for answers.

The Freak Sequence in the Playoffs

The sequence began during Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Sai Sudharsan was looking comfortable at the crease, appearing to settle into a rhythm against the bowling attack. In the third over, while attempting a cut shot against Jacob Duffy, the opener lost his grip on the bat. In a cruel twist of physics, the bat ricocheted off the pitch and tumbled into his own leg stump before the ball had even reached the boundary ropes. It was a moment of sheer disbelief, yet it was only the beginning of a strange narrative.

The deja vu was instantaneous when the Gujarat Titans faced the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. With a massive target of 215 on the board, Sudharsan was in sublime form, racing to 58 off just 32 balls. The partnership with Shubman Gill was firing on all cylinders, putting the Titans in a position of dominance. Then, in a moment that mirrored the previous match, Sudharsan drove a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma. Once again, his bat flew out of his hands during the follow-through and crashed directly into the stumps. As the bail lit up, Sudharsan could only walk back in total disbelief, while his partner Shubman Gill, watching from the non-striker’s end, dropped to his knees.

A Sense of Humor Under Pressure

Despite the frustration of back-to-back dismissals in the most critical stage of the tournament, Sai Sudharsan has managed to keep a positive outlook. Speaking to broadcasters after the win that secured GT’s spot in the IPL 2026 final, he reflected on the incidents with a mix of confusion and humor. “I think I should try some things,” he joked. “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.”

Sudharsan’s career now includes three hit-wicket dismissals, placing him in an unwanted club alongside cricketing legends like Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik. His first such dismissal occurred back in 2022 against the Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium.

The Gill-Sudharsan Partnership

While the hit-wicket incident dominated headlines, the overarching theme of the Gujarat Titans’ success in 2026 remains the lethal opening partnership between Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The duo put on a massive 167-run stand against the Rajasthan Royals, providing the foundation for the team’s successful chase. With both players crossing the 700-run mark this season and recording four century stands, their chemistry is undeniable.

Gill, while visibly stunned by the nature of his partner’s dismissal, emphasized the mutual understanding that fuels their partnership. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that,” Gill admitted. “But we complement each other very well. We understand each other’s game very well. 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

As the Gujarat Titans prepare for the grand finale against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, all eyes will be on Sudharsan’s grip. Whether it is a change in equipment or just sheer mental focus, the young batter is committed to refining his game. “I think the partnership with Gill has definitely evolved over the years,” Sudharsan noted. “I had great experiences in the first few years with the GT team which gave me some exposure. This year, there are so many points where I can improve, and I will work on that to come back stronger in the final.”