Xplorich
Sai Sudharsan created an unwanted and bizarre piece of IPL history by becoming the first batter to be dismissed hit-wicket in back-to-back matches. The Gujarat Titans opener suffered two almost identical dismissals during the IPL 2026 playoffs, first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 and then against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2.In Qualifier 1 against RCB, GT were chasing a record 255-run target when Sudharsan’s bat slipped out of his hands while attempting a run and crashed into the stumps, dismissing him for 14. The freak dismissal triggered a dramatic top-order collapse as GT slumped to 51/5.Just three days later, history repeated itself in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals. Chasing 215 in Mullanpur, Sudharsan was in sublime touch, racing to 58 off just 32 balls. However, after slicing a boundary off spinner Brijesh Sharma, his bat once again slipped from his hands during the follow-through and struck the stumps, resulting in another extraordinary hit-wicket dismissal.Despite the bizarre setback, Gujarat Titans went on to secure a comfortable seven-wicket victory and book their place in the IPL 2026 final. Speaking after the match, Sudharsan took the unusual incidents in good spirits and joked that he may need to work on his grip technique before the summit clash in Ahmedabad.” 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. Seriously. Last game it just bounced a few times and hit the stumps. But this game, I just wanted it to hit straight, I think,” Sudharsan said during the post-match presentation.Gujarat Titans secured a place in the IPL 2026 final with a dominant 7-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur. RR posted 214/6, powered by a brilliant 96 off 47 balls from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a late cameo from Donovan Ferreira.In response, GT captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a stunning 104 off 53 balls, while Sai Sudharsan chipped in with 58 off 32. Their massive opening partnership put GT firmly in control as they chased down the target in just 18.4 overs, finishing on 219/3.
