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Ambati Rayudu Hails Suryansh Shedge's Fearless Finishing in IPL 2026 Clash

Former India cricketer Ambati Rayudu praised Punjab Kings all-rounder Suryansh Shedge for his fearless 57 off 29 balls against Gujarat Titans. Shedge entered at 36/4 and later 47/5, but counter-attacked with three fours and five sixes. Rayudu noted that Shedge's ability to clear the boundary is a crucial strength for an IPL finisher. Despite his efforts, Punjab Kings posted 163/9, falling short of a winning total.

Key Points: Rayudu on Shedge: Clearing Boundaries is Half the Battle Won

  • Suryansh Shedge scores blistering 57 off 29 balls for Punjab Kings
  • Rayudu highlights Shedge's fearless big-shot confidence
  • Youngster rebuilds innings from 47/5 with Marcus Stoinis
  • Shedge's knock features 3 fours and 5 sixes against Gujarat Titans
2 min read

'If clearing the ground is your strength, half the battle is won,' says Rayudu on Shedge's breakout knock

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu praises Punjab Kings' Suryansh Shedge for his explosive 57 off 29 balls against Gujarat Titans, calling boundary-hitting a game-changer.

"If clearing the ground is your strength, half the battle is already won. - Ambati Rayudu"

Ahmedabad, May 4

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes young Punjab Kings all-rounder Suryansh Shedge's fearless strokeplay and confidence in clearing the boundary mark him out as a promising finisher, following his explosive knock for his side against Gujarat Titans in their recently concluded IPL 2026 clash.

Shedge, who came into the tournament with a strong reputation after his breakthrough showing for Mumbai in the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, had largely been on the sidelines before this game. Featuring in only his second outing of the season, he seized the opportunity with a counter-attacking 57 off 29 balls that briefly revived Punjab's innings.

"Just his confidence in terms of playing those big shots. If you remember, he has won a final. He played a match-winning knock for his team in the Mushtaq Ali final. From then on, being picked in the IPL, being in the IPL and also playing an innings like that," Rayudu told ESPNcricinfo.

Walking in at No. 6 with his side struggling at 36/4 in the seventh over, Shedge found himself under immediate pressure. The situation worsened when captain Shreyas Iyer fell soon after, leaving Punjab reeling at 47/5. However, the youngster responded with composure and intent, stitching together a 79-run partnership with Marcus Stoinis that shifted momentum.

Rayudu acknowledged that while the innings had its share of assistance from loose bowling, Shedge's approach stood out.

"He was helped by Suthar definitely in that over - there were a lot of loose balls. But, yeah, he hung in there. He looked like someone who could clear the ground easily. As an Indian player coming into the IPL, if that is your strength, then half the battle is already won. After that, it's just game awareness that you need to get in," he added.

Shedge's assault peaked in the 14th over when he took apart Manav Suthar, collecting multiple boundaries and sixes to inject momentum into the innings. Overall, he struck three fours and five sixes, outscoring Stoinis during their stand and showcasing his ability to dominate spin.

However, his promising knock ended at a crucial juncture. Attempting to force the pace against Kagiso Rabada in the 16th over, Shedge edged behind, leaving Punjab short of a stronger finish. They eventually posted 163/9, a total that proved slightly below par despite their late surge.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Nice knock, but let's not get carried away. Suthar was bowling absolute dross—full tosses and half-trackers. Shedge did what any good batsman should against that. The real test will be when he faces quality bowling under pressure consistently. Rayudu's point about game awareness is key; he got out at a crucial time trying one too many. Still, promising signs for sure. 🤔
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Vikram M
Rayudu always had a sharp cricketing brain, and this analysis proves it. 'If clearing the ground is your strength, half the battle is won'—so true in T20s! Shedge has that raw power and fearlessness that reminds me of a young Hardik Pandya. But he needs to work on his temperament, especially against top pacers like Rabada. The IPL is the best learning ground though. Exciting times ahead! 🚀
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Rohit P
I'm happy to see a Mumbai lad doing well! He was brilliant in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, and now he's showing it on the big stage. The way he took down Suthar was pure entertainment—those sixes over long-on were massive! But yaar, why does PBKS always find ways to lose from winning positions? They needed 180+ from that situation. Still, Shedge is a gem. 🇮🇳💪
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows cricket closely from the UK, Shedge looks like a proper talent. It's not easy to walk in at 36/4 and start playing your shots. Rayudu's observation about loose bowling helping him is fair, but you still have to put them away, and he did it ruthlessly. I'd love to see him get consistent games now—IPL needs more Indian finishers like this.

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