‘I’m going to try some grip tech now’ – Sai Sudharsan is hit wicket again – Sai Sudharsan’s Rare Hit-Wicket Woes: A Bizarre IPL Phenomenon

The Unlucky Streak of Sai Sudharsan

In the high-stakes world of T20 cricket, where every run is calculated and every dismissal is scrutinized, some events defy logical explanation. For Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan, the 2026 IPL playoffs have become a theater of the absurd. To be dismissed hit-wicket once is a stroke of misfortune; to do it twice in consecutive high-pressure games is a freak occurrence that has left fans, analysts, and even teammates in a state of utter disbelief.

A Pattern of Freak Dismissals

The sequence of events began in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). As Sudharsan looked in sublime touch, the unthinkable happened in the third over. While attempting a cut shot against Jacob Duffy, the batter lost his grip on the willow. The bat ricocheted off the pitch and struck the leg stump before the ball had even reached the boundary. It was a moment of pure misfortune that ended a promising start.

Just when one might have expected the bad luck to dissipate, history repeated itself in Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals. Chasing a daunting target of 215, Sudharsan was in command, racing to a commanding 58 off 32 deliveries. As he drove a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma, his bat flew out of his hands during the follow-through, crashing directly into his own stumps. The visual of the bat flying into the timber left the crowd stunned, and Sudharsan visibly shaken as he walked back to the pavilion.

Joining an Elite, Unwanted Club

With these two consecutive departures, Sudharsan has now registered three hit-wicket dismissals in his T20 career. This places him in an unwanted league of high-profile cricketers, joining the likes of Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik, who have also suffered the same fate three times in the format. Reflecting on the bizarre turn of events, Sudharsan maintained a lighthearted perspective despite the frustration. “I think I should try some things,” he joked with broadcasters. “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.”

The Gill-Sudharsan Partnership

Despite the eccentric nature of his exits, Sudharsan’s contribution to the Gujarat Titans’ success remains undeniable. His partnership with Shubman Gill has been the engine room of the GT batting lineup throughout the 2026 season. Together, the pair has compiled four century stands, with both batters impressively surpassing the 700-run mark for the campaign.

Shubman Gill, who was at the non-striker’s end during the unfortunate incident against Rajasthan Royals, admitted he was at a loss for words. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that. Two matches, two in a row, the way he got out,” Gill remarked. The captain even jokingly suggested he might need to take precautions himself, noting that he had seen social media clips of Sudharsan taping his hands.

Complementary Strengths

The chemistry between the two openers is not merely a product of chance but a result of deep tactical understanding and communication. “We complement each other very well,” Gill explained. “We understand each other’s game. When we are out there, we communicate well to decide who takes on which bowler.”

For Sudharsan, the season has been one of growth and evolution. “I had great experiences in the first few years with the GT team which gave me exposure. This year, there are so many points where I can improve, and I will work on that,” he added. As the Gujarat Titans prepare for the grand finale against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the focus will undoubtedly shift from the freak dismissals to the tactical brilliance of their batting duo, as they look to secure the title.

Looking Ahead

As the cricket world moves toward the final showdown, all eyes will be on whether the ‘grip tech’ or improved handling will keep the bat firmly in Sudharsan’s hands. While the stats reflect a bizarre tendency for hit-wicket dismissals, the resilience shown by the young opener in the face of such bad luck remains a testament to his character and value to the team.