The Gujarat Titans (GT), struggling with concerns early on in the Indian Premier League 2026 season after being narrowly beaten by the Rajasthan Royals (RR), have heard strong words from batting coach Matthew Hayden calling for more discipline within their ranks – particularly among their bowlers. GT’s marginal six-wicket loss here in Ahmedabad exposed minor, but critical gaps in execution, especially when it came to control of extras and sustenance of tight-knit lines.
Perhaps the biggest respect both teams let down was the amount of wides bowled. GT ended up conceding nine wides against RR’s three, which translated to a free six extra runs — precisely how many they lost by. While Hayden conceded that cricket matches cannot be determined by those alone, he also admitted how crucial such mistakes are in exposing the fine margins that characterize T20 contests.
GT’s top bowlers, from Kagiso Rabada to Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj, were all a degree or two off their rhythm. Rabada ended with 2 for 42, Rashid claimed 1 for 39, while Siraj had an awful day at the office, returning 1 for 48. Rabada and Rashid together bowled five wides, which contributed extra pressure on the side.
It wasn’t skill that was the problem, Hayden explained, but execution. He noticed that the bowlers were missing their ideal lengths and lines by tiny margins — often bowling just too wide outside off stump, or slightly short. These might look like little mistakes, but they can be expensive in a format where batters are punishing anything chewy.
“It’s about staying true to what you do best as a bowler,” said Hayden, adding that discipline and precision were key against modern T20 batting orders. Siraj, he added, is no exception to off days a good bowler can have and one needs to quickly regroup — ”without waiting for any weeks or something” — rest of the game’s consistency.
GT luck was not limited to bowling. Batting has also raised concerns — especially six-hitting. In both matches so far, GT have been outdone by their opponents in clearing the boundary ropes. They managed 24 fours against RR, but only seven sixes (RR hit 12). They were better in terms of fours, but lacked behind in sixes against Punjab Kings as well.
Hayden conceded that while GT have been successful with their strike rotation and hitting it through the trajectory, they haven’t capitalized on the potential of sixes to really get going. In these high-scoring T20 matches, the difference is often how many good balls the teams convert into big hits.
Despite all this, GT were on a pretty good track in their chase of 210 against RR. At the halfway stage, they were coasting at 103 for 1, looking very much in control. But a flurry of wickets in the middle overs had turned the game on its head.
Bishnoi’s introduction turned the tide and his spell precipitated a collapse. GT’s innings collided in exactly four overs, sliding from 107 for 1 to 161 for 7 and losing hold on the chase. Hayden pointed out a major moment when Washington Sundar, despite attacking Bishnoi, lost his wicket trying to hit one big against the longer boundary.
Shahrukh Khan’s run-out was another key moment that dented GT’s hopes. Decisions like this — to take a risky run, for instance, or target a bowler in form — are vital in tight chases, Hayden said. He also lauded Ravindra Jadeja for his sharp effort on the field that contributed to the run-out.
“These small plays add to big plays,” Hayden said, adding that one or two decisions can change the outcome of a close game. He emphasised the need for smarter decision-making, and a better awareness of the game situation when chasing big totals.
Going forward, GT will need to rectify these setbacks as they get ready to lock horns with an in-form Delhi Capitals team that has been victorious in both of their games thus far. GT will have to display their more disciplined bowling and also enhance the power-hitting in order to get their campaign back on track after two consecutive losses have put them under early pressure.
Hayden, though, is more optimistic, saying that the problems are solvable. With a star-studded squad (with self-belief) to work with, GT’s challenge will be to sharpen their execution and strike an even balance — because come IPL, the narrowest of margins decide results.
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