Sanjay Manjrekar’s praise for GT owners comes with direct swipe at Ambanis & MI – Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Gujarat Titans Ownership, Subtle Dig at Mumbai Indians

A Model of Professionalism: Why Gujarat Titans Stand Out

In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the success of a franchise often hinges on the delicate balance between management influence and on-field freedom. Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar recently highlighted this dynamic, offering significant praise for the Gujarat Titans (GT) ownership group. According to Manjrekar, the team’s consistent success—reaching the playoffs in four out of five seasons—is largely a result of the owners allowing cricket experts to dictate the team’s direction without unnecessary interference.

The Strategy Behind the Success

Since their inception in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have been a juggernaut. Even with recent changes in ownership, as the Torrent Group took over a majority stake from CVC Capital, the team’s trajectory has remained upward. The 2026 season was particularly impressive; after a modest start, the side surged to a second-place finish on the points table, showcasing a level of resilience that has become their hallmark.

Manjrekar pointedly noted that the ownership structure of the Gujarat Titans is remarkably unique. Unlike other high-profile teams, the owners remain largely out of the public eye. This hands-off approach allows professionals like Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki and Head Coach Ashish Nehra to lead with authority and consistency. “Nobody knows the owners. The person handling the operations is a former England cricketer with a corporate background. So, it is a very interesting franchise, and their performances have been brilliant,” Manjrekar remarked during a discussion with Sportstar.

The Subtext of the Criticism

While Manjrekar’s praise for the Titans was explicit, his comments carried a distinct undertone that many observers have interpreted as a direct critique of the Mumbai Indians (MI) ownership. In his analysis, Manjrekar specifically mentioned the image of owners “sitting on sofas,” a clear reference to Nita and Akash Ambani. During the 2026 season, the Ambanis have been frequently spotted in a specialized seating area near the boundary ropes during matches, a move that has sparked debate regarding the involvement of owners in the immediate vicinity of the field of play.

The Engine Room: Why GT Continues to Win

Beyond the boardroom, the on-field success of the Titans is rooted in a disciplined, if sometimes understated, cricketing philosophy. Often criticized for a “slow and conventional” approach, the team has proven that efficiency trumps flair. The core of their performance this year has been the opening partnership of skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, supported heavily by the experienced Jos Buttler at number three. Furthermore, the bowling unit, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder, has provided the necessary bite, while Rashid Khan continues to be a vital component of their tactical setup.

Ashish Nehra deserves significant credit for the team’s internal stability. Under his guidance, the squad has managed to overcome periods of volatility, such as the early-season losing streaks in 2026, to put together long winning runs that cement their position at the top of the standings.

Looking Ahead to the Qualifiers

As the tournament reaches its climax, the Gujarat Titans are set for a high-octane Qualifier 1 clash against table-toppers Royal Chandellers Bengaluru in Dharamsala. The stakes are immense: a direct path to the IPL final in Ahmedabad on May 31. Regardless of the outcome of this specific match, the Gujarat Titans have cemented their reputation as a model franchise. By prioritizing cricketing expertise over ownership spectacle, they have created a blueprint for sustainable success in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Whether or not the “sofa-side” management style of other teams will face further scrutiny from the BCCI or cricket analysts remains to be seen, but for now, the quiet, efficient approach of the Gujarat Titans continues to speak louder than any sideline presence.