Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
SRH vs GT IPL 2026 ended in a heavy 82-run defeat for Sunrisers Hyderabad in Ahmedabad, but head coach Daniel Vettori still found positives after Gujarat Titans’ pace attack took control.
Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out in 14.5 overs while chasing 169, yet they stayed third on the Indian Premier League table after Gujarat Titans’ quicks shared nine wickets.
The result followed another tough night for the batting group after Sunrisers Hyderabad slumped to their lowest IPL score against Gujarat Titans, while official tournament coverage is available through the Indian Premier League website.
Gujarat Titans Quick Bowlers Dominate
Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder and Prasidh Krishna combined for 9 for 82 from 14 overs.
Rabada struck three times inside the powerplay, leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad with no stable base in the chase.
"We knew coming up against their bowling line-up and the fact that they had five seamers [Arshad Khan was the fifth, but didn't get to bowl] plus Rashid [Khan] was always going to be a challenge," Vettori said.
"We didn't get the start we wanted and they were able to capitalise the whole way through and their bowling was brilliant."
Vettori Finds Positives in Bowling
Vettori said Sunrisers Hyderabad were content at the break after holding Gujarat Titans to 168 for 5.
"We were satisfied at the halfway mark," he said.
Praful Hinge removed Shubman Gill for 5 and Jos Buttler for 7 in the powerplay, giving Sunrisers Hyderabad early control.
Hinge and Sakib Hussain took two wickets each, while Pat Cummins kept the run rate tight through his spell.
Batting Blip, Not Bigger Concern
Sai Sudharsan top-scored for Gujarat Titans with 61 from 44 balls, while Washington Sundar made 50 from 33 deliveries.
Sanjay Bangar called Sunrisers Hyderabad’s bowling plans "exceptional", pointing to the leg-stump line used against Sudharsan.
Vettori refused to criticise his batters after one poor night.
"Every team throughout the IPL is going to have their small blips once in a while and ours was tonight. But I don't see any reason why we won't bounce back."
