Gujarat Titans’ assistant coach, Parthiv Patel, expressed confidence in the team’s bowling strength ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals in New Chandigarh. The match-up between young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and GT’s bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada will be crucial in determining the finalist against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Patel emphasized the team’s preparedness to counter Sooryavanshi’s threat.
Patel, speaking at a press conference, mentioned the team’s strategy to dismiss Sooryavanshi early in the game based on their analysis of his batting. He highlighted the importance of executing their plans effectively on the field. Patel also expressed faith in GT’s renowned bowling lineup, emphasizing their ability to take early wickets, a key strength they aim to leverage in the upcoming match.
Reflecting on GT’s previous defeat in Qualifier 1, Patel stated that the team has moved on from the loss and is focused on the upcoming challenge. He praised Rahul Tewatia’s performance in the middle order as a positive takeaway from the previous game. Patel emphasized the need to leave behind past results and concentrate on the task ahead in the playoffs.
Regarding leading run-scorer B Sai Sudarshan’s strike rate, Patel dismissed the idea of pressuring Sudarshan to increase his strike rate, noting his effectiveness in scoring runs at a reasonable pace. Patel addressed criticism of GT’s playing style, asserting the team’s confidence in their approach and past achievements in the IPL. He emphasized the team’s belief in their abilities and their determination to execute their plans effectively in the upcoming match.
