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Gujarat Titans (GT) batting coach Matthew Hayden has called for improved discipline from his bowlers after the team slumped to a second consecutive defeat in IPL 2026, this time against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
GT’s six-run loss at home was shaped by small but decisive margins, including a noticeable difference in extras. GT conceded nine wides compared to RR’s three — a gap Hayden acknowledged as significant, though not solely responsible for the result.
“It just shows the margins in these games are so small,” Hayden said in the post-match press conference. “The discipline around wides and consistently bowling the best ball is something we need to improve.”
Star Bowlers Off Rhythm
GT’s premier bowlers struggled to maintain accuracy. Kagiso Rabada returned figures of 2 for 42, while Rashid Khan finished with 1 for 39. Mohammed Siraj endured an off day, conceding 48 runs for just one wicket.
Hayden noted that while Rabada and Rashid were not at their sharpest, their performances were not as poor as the figures suggested. Siraj, however, struggled with his line and length.
“He was a little bit too short and too wide,” Hayden said. “That’s just a great bowler having an off day.”
Batting Concerns Persist
GT’s struggles were not limited to bowling. Their batting has also lacked firepower, particularly in six-hitting. Against RR, GT struck 24 fours but only seven sixes, compared to RR’s 12 maximums. A similar pattern emerged in their previous match against Punjab Kings.
Hayden pointed out that while GT have rotated strike effectively, their inability to match opponents in big hitting has hurt them in crucial moments.
Middle-Order Collapse Costs GT
Chasing a challenging target of 210, GT appeared in control at 103 for 1 after 10 overs. However, a dramatic collapse followed, triggered largely by Ravi Bishnoi’s spell. GT slipped from 107 for 1 to 161 for 7 within four overs.
A key moment came when Washington Sundar attempted an aggressive shot against Bishnoi and was dismissed. Hayden suggested the decision-making at that stage could have been more measured.
“There wasn’t a lot that went wrong in the first 12 overs,” Hayden said. “But those moments — whether to attack or consolidate — become crucial.”
Costly Mistakes in the Field
GT were also hurt by a run-out involving Shahrukh Khan, with Rashid Khan at the other end. Hayden highlighted the sharp fielding of Ravindra Jadeja as a decisive factor in that play.
“Those two wickets straightaway could have been the difference,” he said, reiterating how fine the margins were in a six-run game.
Looking Ahead
GT will aim to regroup quickly as they prepare to face the in-form Delhi Capitals, who have won both their matches so far, in Delhi on Wednesday.
With back-to-back defeats placing them alongside Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in an unwanted early-season record, Hayden emphasized the need for sharper execution in both bowling and batting.
“In T20 cricket, especially when chasing big totals, those small decisions and moments make all the difference,” he said.
