Parthiv backs GT's methods ahead of knockout clash with RR

Are Gujarat Titans a "set template" team? Assistant coach Parthiv Patel refuses to believe so, calling them a team that plays in its own style, ahead of their IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash against Rajasthan Royals on Friday (May 29).

The Titans, ranked second on the points table at the end of the league stage, slipped against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1. Stung by a 92-run defeat, they must now go through RR to set up a revenge clash against the defending champions. RR come off a thumping win over SRH, thanks largely to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 97 (29), one shot away from being the joint-fastest IPL ton.

Twice before, these teams have met in the Playoffs: both occasions were in 2022, Titans' debut year, when they first beat RR in Qualifier 1, and again in the final.

This year, their success has revolved around the ever-consistent opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj excelling with the new ball. Jason Holder has brought all-round balance, while Rashid Khan is close to his best after a forgettable last season.

Yet, in a tournament where some teams are pushing the limits of high scoring, Titans' top-order success has traditionally been more volume-based, revolving around Gill-Sudharsan putting on big partnerships. When asked if it makes them predictable, especially when stacked against a more radical RR unit, Parthiv reminded everyone about GT's success as a team through the league phase.

"We were sitting pretty at number 2 on the points table," Parthiv said. "I know other teams can think whatever they want to think. There are six teams who have not qualified also. And I know the references which we have come from.

"We have finished number two. And we know what kind of cricket we want to play. And we back ourselves to give results".

Parthiv reminded everyone the team's consistency since its inception: a title on debut, runner's up the following year and reaching the playoffs again last year.

"Everybody has their different way of playing. We have our own style of playing."

Naturally, Sooryavanshi will be the cynosure of all eyes, having charted new heights with his Eliminator knock at the same venue. While praising him, Parthiv looked to downplay his threat, withholding any inputs on GT's strategy against him.

"I am not a broadcaster now, so I can't tell you what the plans are," Parthiv said. "But it looks good the way he is batting, hopefully we will try to dismiss him early. As all the teams have planned, we have seen the videos, hopefully we will execute our plan. But what it exactly is, we'll only be able to show on the ground".

Answering another question on the same topic, he said: "I am very happy to see the way he is playing. Last time I said that we should not be talking about his age. I think that's something which we need to put an end to it. He has been a phenomenal talent just the way he has been playing. It's great to see".

"From the opposition's point of view, we hope that he doesn't get going tomorrow".

Sooryavanshi is currently wearing the Orange Cap, but second-placed Sudharsan isn't too far away. The difference in strike-rates (242.85 vs 157.86) is immense though, signifying two contrasting yet effective approaches.

A day before the game, Sudharsan did not bat in the nets, as is usually the case with him, but came out to the main pitch for a short session of shadow batting. Without a bat, Sudharsan spent time perfecting his form, trying out everything from lofted drives to flicks and pulls, and even ramps.

When asked if there's a push to make Sudharsan bat any quicker, Parthiv made it clear that there's no comparison with anyone, and Sudharsan's own approach works best for the team.

"No, I don't think there is any kind of temptation to tell Sai Sudharsan to go at a higher strike-rate," Parthiv said. "He has been very effective. He has been scoring at a fair strike-rate also. It's not that he is scoring under 100. If someone is scoring at 300, it doesn't mean that everyone has to strike at 300. But he has been very effective. He is giving us results. So, there is no talk about telling Sudharsan that you need to go higher than 170 strike rate or 200".

Their two big-ticket overseas stars - Rashid Khan and Jason Holder - have been crucial cogs with the ball. GT are statistically the best bowling unit in the middle overs this year, plucking 49 wickets (the most) at 24.67, the best average among all teams.

Part of GT since their very first season, Rashid managed nine wickets at 57.11 last year, but this season, he has 19 at 23.47. Parthiv said last year was tough for him only because he was coming from a (back) injury.

"(After recovery) he has been bowling brilliantly, he has been working really hard. In fact, even today he is here at the training, so we know the kind of bowler he is and how hungry he is to contribute. He always wants to be in the action, he always wants those difficult situations.

"And that's the reason why he has been bowling well. There is not a question of Rashid's skill level at all. We have full trust in him, that's the reason why he is still part of the GT setup since the inception".

For Holder, GT is a new home after missing the last two seasons of the IPL. With 15 wickets, he's just one short of his season best tally.

"Even before going for the auction, we had planned to have Jason Holder as our main pick. We know that in the last 1.5 years, Jason Holder has been in good form in the T20 leagues. He brings experience as well.

"It's very important for the combination if you have someone who can bowl in the Powerplay as well, the middle overs, is an out-and-out wicket-taker, and can bat as well.

"Obviously, after that decision (to get him in), a lot of things have changed for us. And we are glad that Holder has performed in this way."

Itching to get past their first setback, GT will hope to get past RR and give themselves a chance to become just the fourth team ever to win an IPL after playing Qualifier 2.

When asked what GT can take away from their RCB defeat, Parthiv joked that it's better they don't carry anything from the last game.

"Only one (good) thing I can say is that (Rahul) Tewatia spent time in the middle (he hit 68 off 43). Obviously, there have been a lot of questions about the middle order".

"Otherwise, in Playoff games, whether it's RR or RCB, you have to leave that game behind and try and look forward."