Gujarat Titans delivered one of their most complete performances of the season as they thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 12. The victory pushed GT to the top of the IPL 2026 points table and extended their winning streak to five matches at a crucial stage of the tournament.
Playing in special lavender jerseys to support cancer awareness, Gujarat looked sharp in every department. Their batting unit recovered from an early collapse to post a competitive total of 168 for 5 before the bowlers completely dismantled Hyderabad for just 86 in 14.5 overs. By the end of the night, GT had strengthened their reputation as one of the most balanced and dangerous sides in the competition.
Early Setbacks Put GT Under Pressure
The match did not begin smoothly for Gujarat Titans. After SRH won the toss and elected to bowl first, the visitors made immediate inroads with the new ball. Praful Hinge struck in the third over to remove captain Shubman Gill for just five runs, giving Hyderabad the ideal start.
Soon after, Jos Buttler also departed cheaply, leaving Gujarat struggling at 34 for 2 at the end of the powerplay. For a brief moment, SRH looked firmly in control as their pace attack generated movement and disciplined lines on a surface that offered something for the bowlers.
At that stage, Gujarat needed stability more than aggression, and once again it was Sai Sudharsan who stepped up under pressure.
Sai Sudharsan Anchors the Recovery
Sai Sudharsan played an innings that perfectly balanced patience and intent. Rather than forcing shots early, he focused on rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and slowly rebuilding the innings. His calm approach allowed GT to recover after the early damage.
Sudharsan brought up a composed 61 off 44 deliveries, an innings filled with clever placement and mature decision-making. While the scoreboard did not explode during the middle overs, his partnership-building ensured Gujarat never completely lost momentum.
The left-hander has quietly become one of the most dependable batters in the tournament, and this knock once again highlighted his ability to absorb pressure while keeping the innings together.
Washington Sundar Changes the Momentum
While Sudharsan provided the foundation, Washington Sundar supplied the late acceleration that pushed Gujarat to a commanding total. Entering during a delicate phase of the innings, Sundar initially played cautiously before shifting gears brilliantly in the final overs.
He finished unbeaten on 50 from just 33 balls, striking seven boundaries and one six in a controlled but aggressive innings. His shot selection in the death overs proved especially valuable as SRH struggled to contain him once he found rhythm.
Jason Holder also chipped in with a useful unbeaten 11, helping GT close strongly and reach 168 for 5. At the innings break, the score appeared competitive rather than overwhelming, but Gujarat’s bowling attack soon made it look massive.
Rabada and Siraj Destroy the Top Order
If Gujarat’s batting recovery gave them momentum, their bowling performance completely crushed Hyderabad’s hopes. The new-ball spell from Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj was among the most destructive powerplay displays seen this season.
Rabada struck with pace and aggression, while Siraj generated sharp movement that troubled the SRH openers immediately. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma were both dismissed inside the opening two overs as Hyderabad collapsed to 13 for 2 during the powerplay.
The pressure only intensified from there. Prasidh Krishna removed Salil Arora to reduce SRH to 56 for 5 at the halfway mark of the innings, leaving the middle order with far too much to do.
Holder and Rashid Finish the Job
Hyderabad never truly recovered after the early collapse. Jason Holder delivered a decisive spell through the middle overs, picking up three important wickets while conceding just 20 runs. His victims included Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, and Shivam Kumar, effectively ending any slim hopes of resistance.
Captain Pat Cummins briefly counterattacked with a quick 19 off 9 balls, but even that ended when he mistimed a pull shot off Prasidh Krishna.
The final wicket came through Rashid Khan, who had Praful Hinge stumped to bowl SRH out for just 86 in 14.5 overs. It was officially the lowest total in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL history and one of the most one-sided defeats they have suffered in recent years.
GT Look Like Serious Title Contenders
The win takes Gujarat Titans to 16 points from 12 matches, a tally that historically guarantees qualification for the playoffs. More importantly, their remaining fixtures against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings give them a strong chance of finishing inside the top two.
What stands out most about Gujarat right now is their balance. They have reliable batters capable of rebuilding innings, finishers who can accelerate late, and a bowling attack that can dominate both with the new ball and at the death.
With Rabada in outstanding form, Siraj consistently threatening, and Rashid Khan bringing experience and control, GT are beginning to look like the most complete side in IPL 2026.
Written by 8JJ.com | May 13,2026
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