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Parthiv Patel Explains GT's Tactical Move to Limit Sundar's Bowling in IPL 2026

Gujarat Titans assistant coach Parthiv Patel has clarified that the decision to limit Washington Sundar's bowling was purely tactical, based on the Ahmedabad pitch conditions and match-ups, dismissing any fitness speculation. He also expressed no concern over the team's middle order, stating players like Glenn Phillips and Shahrukh Khan are prepared despite limited opportunities. The Titans secured a five-wicket victory over KKR, fueled by Shubman Gill's 86 and Kagiso Rabada's 3-wicket haul. Despite a three-match winning streak, the team's Net Run Rate remains a slight concern as they prepare to face Mumbai Indians.

Key Points: GT Coach on Sundar's Bowling & Middle Order in IPL 2026

  • Sundar's bowling limited due to pitch conditions
  • No fitness concerns for the spinner
  • GT middle order ready despite limited chances
  • Team on a three-match winning streak
  • Net Run Rate remains a concern
2 min read

GT's Assistant Coach Parthiv Patel clears air on Sundar's bowling in IPL 2026

GT's Parthiv Patel clarifies Washington Sundar's limited bowling is tactical, not fitness-related, and addresses middle-order concerns after win over KKR.

"There's no niggle. Washington Sundar is bowling really well. It's purely a conditions and match-up-based decision. - Parthiv Patel"

Ahmedabad, April 18

Gujarat Titans Assistant Coach Parthiv Patel has clarified the team's decision to limit Washington Sundar's bowling overs in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026, stating that the move was driven purely by match conditions rather than any fitness concerns.

Speaking on JioHotstar after GT's five-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Friday night, Patel dismissed speculation around Sundar's fitness or bowling.

"There's no niggle. Washington Sundar is bowling really well. It's purely a conditions and match-up-based decision. On a surface like Ahmedabad, where there isn't much turn, it becomes difficult to use him effectively. If there were more left-handers at the crease, we would have definitely gone to him. It's just about finding the right situation to bring him into the game," Patel said.

Sundar, who is known for his off-spin and control in the middle overs, was used sparingly in the contest as GT relied on other bowling options suited to the pitch conditions.

Patel also addressed concerns around the Gujarat Titans' middle order, saying the franchise is not worried despite limited opportunities for its batters.

"There's no real concern around our middle order. Our approach has been to rely on the top three to take the game deep and finish it, and that's something we continue to aim for. Naturally, that means the middle order doesn't always get enough deliveries, but players like Glenn Phillips (Glenn Phillips) and Shahrukh Khan are ready when needed. Ideally, we would like a set batter to finish games, but overall, there's no concern around that unit," Patel added.

GT handed KKR a five-wicket defeat, riding on the back of captain Shubman Gill's 86-run knock and Kagiso Rabada's bowling figures of 3/29 in 4 overs. With the win, GT now find themselves placed fourth on the points table.

While the Gujarat Titans are on a three-match winning streak, their Net Run Rate (NRR) remains only slightly above zero. In contrast, several other teams have much stronger NRR figures--well over 0.300--with table-toppers Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru both boasting NRRs exceeding +1.

GT will next face the Mumbai Indians on Monday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I appreciate Parthiv bhai explaining the strategy. But as a fan, I still feel we are under-utilizing Sundar. He brings so much control. What if we need him in the playoffs and he's short on match practice? Just a thought.
R
Rohit P
The real concern is the middle order, not Sundar's bowling. Parthiv says "no concern" but if Gill or Saha fail, who will anchor? Phillips and Shahrukh are big hitters, not anchors. Our NRR is poor because we don't finish games early. Need to address this before the playoffs.
S
Sarah B
Good to hear it's tactical and not another injury scare. Indian cricket needs a fit and firing Washington Sundar, especially with the Champions Trophy coming up. GT managing his workload intelligently is a positive sign.
V
Vikram M
Match-up based decisions are the heart of modern T20. Parthiv, being a former player, gets it. On to the next match against MI! Hope we bat first and give the middle order some proper game time. Jeetega bhai Jeetega, Gujarat Titans jeetega! 🦁
K
Karthik V
The NRR point is crucial. Winning by small margins won't help if it comes to a tie. Need to be more aggressive and aim for bigger wins. Maybe that's where Sundar's batting down the order could be used more? He's a handy finisher too.

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