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

A Bizarre Entry into the Record Books

In the world of professional cricket, being dismissed hit-wicket is often considered a moment of pure misfortune. It is a rare occurrence that can happen to the best of players. However, when it happens twice in consecutive playoff matches, the event transitions from mere bad luck to a truly bizarre statistical anomaly. Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan now finds himself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons after registering his third career hit-wicket dismissal during the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals.

The Freak Incidents Unfolded

The sequence of events began during the high-stakes Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Sai Sudharsan was looking in imperious touch early on, but in the third over, he attempted a cut shot off Jacob Duffy. As he swung the willow, his grip failed him; the bat slipped from his hands, ricocheted off the pitch, and crashed into his leg stump before the ball had even crossed the boundary rope. It was a sight that left spectators and players alike in complete disbelief.

As if the first incident were not enough, the cricket gods decided to test his resolve again in the very next game. Chasing a formidable target of 215 against the Rajasthan Royals, Sudharsan was cruising. He had raced to a stylish 58 off just 32 deliveries, anchoring a massive opening partnership with captain Shubman Gill. Yet, as he attempted to drive a low full toss from Brijesh Sharma through the off side, the bat once again defied his control. It flew out of his grasp during the follow-through and clattered into the stumps. A visibly frustrated Sudharsan walked back to the pavilion, while Gill watched on, stunned.

Joining Elite Company for the Wrong Reasons

With this latest dismissal, Sai Sudharsan joins an exclusive, albeit unwanted, club in T20 cricket. Only two other batters—Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik—have been dismissed hit-wicket three times in the format. While the statistic is heavy, the young opener has chosen to handle it with a touch of humor rather than letting it derail his confidence. When asked about his plans to avoid a repeat performance, he joked, “I think I should try some things. 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.”

The Gill-Sudharsan Partnership

Despite the freak dismissals, the partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill remains the cornerstone of the Gujarat Titans’ success in IPL 2026. The duo has been instrumental in the team’s journey to the final, having recorded four century stands throughout the campaign. Both batters have now crossed the 700-run mark, underscoring their consistency at the top of the order.

Shubman Gill, who witnessed the bizarre dismissal from the non-striker’s end, admitted that the situation was difficult to process. “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,” Gill quipped.

Reflecting on their synergy, Gill noted that their success stems from mutual understanding and clear communication. “We complement each other very well. We understand each other’s game very well. 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.”

Looking Ahead

For Sudharsan, the journey through IPL 2026 has been a significant learning experience. He has grown into his role as a reliable opener, learning how to pace his innings and handle the pressures of high-stakes T20 cricket. “I think it definitely evolved over the years,” Sudharsan said. “I had great experiences in the first few years with the GT team which gave me some exposure or some experience 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.” As the Titans head into the final against RCB, fans will be hoping that Sudharsan leaves the hit-wicket drama behind and lets his bat do the talking—without letting it hit the stumps.