Watch- Sai Sudharsan’s Hit Wicket Controversy Takes New Turn, Batter Seen Applyi Chemical on Bat Ahead of IPL 2026 Playoffs
Sai Sudharsan’s Unfortunate Hit-Wicket Trend Takes a Bizarre Turn in IPL 2026
Getting dismissed hit-wicket is one of cricket’s rarest and most unusual occurrences, often leaving both the batter and spectators in disbelief. However, for Gujarat Titans’ prolific opener Sai Sudharsan, this unique form of dismissal has become an unfortunate and recurring theme, especially in the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 playoffs. Sudharsan has now suffered the dreaded hit-wicket twice within a single week, a statistic that has raised eyebrows across the cricketing fraternity and become a major talking point.
Both of Sudharsan’s peculiar dismissals unfolded during the all-important playoffs stage of the IPL 2026 season, intensifying the frustration for Gujarat Titans fans and adding a dramatic twist to their campaign. While his first hit-wicket against RCB was a moment of sheer bad luck, a new development has brought his second dismissal against the Rajasthan Royals into the spotlight.
New Footage Reveals Sai Sudharsan Applying Chemical to Bat
Not long after his second hit-wicket dismissal against the Rajasthan Royals in New Chandigarh, previously unseen footage began circulating on social media. This video captures a fascinating pre-match ritual: the dynamic Titans opener is seen meticulously preparing his bat, seemingly applying a spray or chemical to its handle. This revelation has added a fresh dimension to the ongoing discussion surrounding his unusual dismissals.
A day after Gujarat Titans triumphantly knocked the Rajasthan Royals out of the IPL 2026 race, this video footage provided a ‘new turn’ to the hit-wicket controversy. The spray that Sudharsan is seen applying is generally utilized by batters to enhance their grip on the bat, thereby minimizing the risk of it slipping out of their hands during powerful strokes. Such a precaution is common among professional cricketers aiming for optimal control and stability. The sight of Sudharsan taking such measures only deepens the mystery and adds a layer of irony to his subsequent hit-wicket dismissal against the Royals, despite his apparent efforts to prevent it.
Twice in a Week: Sudharsan’s Playoff Hit-Wickets
Despite his diligent preparation, fate seemed to have other plans for Sai Sudharsan, as he still fell victim to the dreaded ‘hit-wicket’ in the game against the Rajasthan Royals. This marked his second such dismissal within a short span, a truly extraordinary and unfortunate coincidence for any batter, let alone one performing on such a grand stage.
First Incident: Qualifier 1 vs RCB
The first incident occurred during Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 season against Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 26. While chasing a formidable target of 255 runs at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan experienced a momentary loss of grip. His bat slipped from his hands, bounced once on the pitch, and then tragically struck the stumps. The timing was particularly cruel; the cricketer had just perfectly timed the ball for what should have been a boundary, only for the unfortunate bat-slip to cut short his promising innings during the third over.
Second Incident: Qualifier 2 vs Rajasthan Royals
Just a couple of days later, in New Chandigarh, Sudharsan’s misfortune struck again. This time, it was against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of the tournament. The scenario was eerily similar: the cricketer had just dispatched Brijesh Sharma’s low full-toss delivery for a cracking boundary. However, immediately after making contact, the bat once again went flying out of his hands and landed squarely onto the stumps. This unfortunate dismissal brought Sai Sudharsan’s well-set stay at the crease to an end, as he departed after a commendable 58 runs off just 32 balls. His wicket was the first to fall for the Titans, who were at a strong position of 167 in 12.5 overs, making the dismissal even more impactful.
A Peculiar Record: Three Career Hit-Wickets in IPL History
With this latest incident, Sai Sudharsan has inadvertently etched his name into the IPL history books, becoming the first cricketer in the league’s history to be dismissed ‘hit-wicket’ three times in his career. Furthermore, he now holds the unenviable record of being the first player to suffer such a dismissal twice within a single IPL season. This unique statistical anomaly highlights the sheer unlikelihood and bizarre nature of his recent run of form, prompting discussions about technique, luck, and the psychological impact such repeated dismissals might have on a batter.
Gujarat Titans March Towards the Final
Despite the individual misfortunes of Sai Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans have displayed remarkable team resilience and firepower. They emphatically pulverised the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets, with eight balls to spare, in Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2026 season. Captain and prolific opener Shubman Gill was the chief architect of their victory, blasting an incredible 104 runs from just 53 balls. His stunning century made light work of Royals’ challenging 214-run total in New Chandigarh, showcasing the Titans’ formidable batting depth.
The Gujarat Titans will now prepare to face the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, in what promises to be a thrilling final of the tournament. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, and will be hosted by the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The action is set to commence from 7:30 PM IST onwards, promising a grand spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. As the Titans gear up for the ultimate showdown, all eyes will be on their star players, including Sai Sudharsan, hoping he can overcome his recent hit-wicket jinx and contribute significantly to their championship aspirations.
