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May 27, 2026 5:10 PM

NEWS

RCB Expose GT’s One-Dimensional Bowling Attack in Qualifier 1 Rout

RCB Expose GT’s One-Dimensional Bowling Attack in Qualifier 1 Rout

Tom Moody believes Gujarat Titans’ bowling attack became too predictable during their heavy IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, comparing their limitations to the way Sunrisers Hyderabad struggle when conditions do not suit their aggressive batting approach.

RCB’s top order completely dismantled GT’s highly rated pace attack in Dharamsala, smashing 76 runs in the powerplay before dominating the rest of the innings. GT’s spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, who had been among the tournament’s best bowlers throughout the season, finished with combined figures of 7 overs for 100 runs.

Moody explained that GT’s bowling unit is devastating when there is movement off the pitch or assistance through swing and seam. However, on flat batting surfaces where their preferred hard-length strategy offers little help, they lack enough variations, slower balls and deception to consistently trouble elite batters.

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu echoed that view, arguing that strong batting sides can prepare comfortably against GT because they know almost exactly what type of bowling to expect. According to Rayudu, GT often look unbeatable when conditions favour them but appear vulnerable when forced away from their strengths.

That weakness was brutally exposed by RCB’s aggressive batting display. Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli attacked from the outset before captain Rajat Patidar produced a stunning unbeaten 93 from just 33 balls to completely seize control of the match.

Rayudu also questioned GT’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss. He felt Gujarat abandoned their natural strengths by choosing to chase instead of putting runs on the board and allowing their in-form bowlers to defend under scoreboard pressure.

Drawing from advice once given by Ricky Ponting during his time with Mumbai Indians, Rayudu said knockout cricket often demands batting first and trusting a team’s strongest skillset rather than reacting to conditions or trends.

Despite the defeat, GT still remain alive in the tournament through Qualifier 2, but the loss raised fresh questions about whether their bowling attack possesses enough tactical flexibility to succeed consistently on batting-friendly surfaces away from Ahmedabad.

 
 

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#Indian Premier League

#Gujarat Titans

#Royal Challengers Bengaluru

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