‘I’m going to try some grip tech now’ – Sai Sudharsan is hit wicket again – Sai Sudharsan’s Bizarre Hit-Wicket Streak: A Statistical Oddity

A Statistical Rarity in IPL Cricket

In the high-stakes environment of professional cricket, players often focus on technical perfection, but sometimes, the game throws an unpredictable curveball. Gujarat Titans (GT) opener Sai Sudharsan has become the center of a bizarre statistical anomaly, finding himself dismissed hit-wicket in two consecutive playoff games during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. While such a dismissal is traditionally seen as a moment of misfortune, witnessing it twice in a row has elevated the incident to a talking point that has left even his teammates and opponents in a state of disbelief.

The Freak Dismissals: A Closer Look

The first instance occurred during the intense Qualifier 1 clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). While Sudharsan appeared to be in fine touch, an awkward sequence saw his bat fly out of his hands while attempting a cut shot against Jacob Duffy. The bat ricocheted off the pitch and struck the leg stump before the ball had even reached the boundary. It was a moment of sheer bad luck that forced the talented opener to return to the pavilion early.

However, the sense of deja vu was palpable during the Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals. Chasing a formidable target of 215, Sudharsan was playing a masterful innings, cruising to 58 runs off just 32 deliveries. In a cruel twist of fate, while playing a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma, his bat slipped from his grip once more in his follow-through, crashing directly into the stumps. The disappointment on his face was clear, while his opening partner, Shubman Gill, could only watch in stunned silence, eventually dropping to his knees as the reality of the situation sunk in.

Joining an Unwanted Club

With these two consecutive departures, Sai Sudharsan now holds the unwanted record of three hit-wicket dismissals in his T20 career. He joins a rare list alongside seasoned international veterans like Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik, who are the only other players to have suffered this specific form of dismissal three times in the format. His first experience with this unconventional mode of exit dates back to 2022, during a match against the Mumbai Indians at the Brabourne Stadium.

Humor Amidst the Chaos

Rather than letting the frustration consume him, Sudharsan has chosen to take the situation in stride. When interviewed by broadcasters following the victory over the Rajasthan Royals, the young batter displayed a commendable sense of humor regarding his recent troubles. “I think I should try some things,” he joked. “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.” He playfully added, “Seriously, last game it just bounced a few times and hit the stumps. But this game, I just wanted it to hit straight away, I think.”

The Power of the Sudharsan-Gill Partnership

Despite the peculiar nature of his dismissals, Sudharsan’s contribution to the Gujarat Titans this season has been nothing short of spectacular. His partnership with Shubman Gill has been the primary engine driving the team toward the IPL 2026 final. The duo has recorded four century-plus stands throughout the season, with both batters impressively crossing the 700-run milestone.

Shubman Gill, reflecting on their synergy, noted, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like that. Two matches, two in a row, the way he got out. I saw some video on social media that he was taping his hands, I think. I’m going to have to do that in the next match.” When asked about the secret behind their successful partnership, Gill highlighted their mutual understanding. “Honestly, I think we complement each other very well. We understand each other’s game. And when we are batting out there, our communication is very good. We know one of us has to take down one of the bowlers, and we are very good in deciding who’s going to take down what bowler.”

Looking Ahead to the Final

As the Gujarat Titans prepare for the ultimate showdown against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sudharsan remains focused on self-improvement. He credits the team environment for his growth, stating, “I think the partnership with Gill definitely evolved over the years. I had great experiences in the first few years with the GT team which gave me some exposure on what I want to improve. This year there are so many points where I can improve so that I’ll work on that and come back.”

While fans may be watching his bat grip closely in the upcoming final, the cricketing world recognizes that Sudharsan’s flair and technical brilliance far outweigh the statistical quirks of his recent dismissals. As he gears up for the biggest game of the season, the focus remains on his ability to anchor the innings and lead the Titans to potential glory.