NEW DELHI: Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan experienced a bizarre dismissal during the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Friday, getting out hit-wicket in almost identical fashion to his dismissal in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala. Not once, but twice, the same dismissal with the same reaction unfolded.
With this unusual dismissal, Sudharsan became the first batter in IPL history to be dismissed hit-wicket in back-to-back innings. The incident left Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill, batting at the non-striker's end, visibly stunned. Gill looked distraught and even collapsed to the ground in disbelief after watching his opening partner walk back in such unfortunate circumstances.
Match Context and Sudharsan's Innings
After Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 214 for 6 in 20 overs, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's explosive 96 off 47 balls, Gujarat Titans got off to a flying start. Openers Gill and Sudharsan stitched together a century stand and appeared to have the chase firmly under control.
Just when it looked like the duo would guide Gujarat Titans to victory, Sudharsan's innings came to an abrupt end. Attempting to put away a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma through the off side, Sudharsan lost grip of his bat after making contact. The bat flew backwards and crashed into the stumps, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal. The crowd was left stunned, while Gill dropped to his haunches in frustration at the other end.
Reaction and Aftermath
"Where is the fevicol? Where is the glue?" Ravi Shastri quipped on air, commenting on the bizarre nature of the dismissal.
Chasing 215, Gill and Sudharsan had made light work of the target, adding 167 runs in just 12.5 overs before the unfortunate dismissal ended Sudharsan's innings. Despite the setback, Gujarat Titans cruised to a seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals.
After the match, Gill was asked about Sudharsan's unusual dismissal. "I don't think I've ever seen anything. No one's seen anything like that, two matches, back to back in a row. The way he got out. I saw some video on social media that taping his hand, I think I'm going to have to do that in the next match," Gill said.
With the win, Gujarat Titans set up a title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
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