Solanki ‘would have liked to have gone one step further’ but still ‘immensely pr’oud of GT’s IPL 2026 run
Reflecting on a Memorable Campaign
In the aftermath of the intense IPL 2026 final held in Ahmedabad, the atmosphere surrounding the Gujarat Titans (GT) camp was one of quiet dignity. Despite the sting of defeat against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team leadership remains focused on the positives of a season that saw them battle through to the tournament’s climax. Vikram Solanki, the director of cricket for the Titans, took the opportunity to address the media with grace, emphasizing that while Solanki ‘would have liked to have gone one step further’ but still ‘immensely proud’ of the group.
A Gracious Defeat
Solanki was quick to acknowledge the brilliance of the opposition. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been a dominant force throughout the league stage, and their victory in the final was, in his view, a testament to their consistency. “I’ll begin by congratulating RCB. They’ve had an outstanding campaign,” Solanki noted. “They finished at the top of the table in the league stage and then went on to beat us twice, so we must take that on board.”
For the Gujarat Titans, the journey to the final was fraught with logistical challenges, particularly after their loss in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. This forced the team into a demanding schedule of three high-stakes matches in just five days. Despite arriving in Ahmedabad late on the eve of the final, Solanki was adamant that fatigue should not be cited as a reason for the result.
The Question of Reliability
One of the recurring themes of the 2026 season for GT was the perceived reliance on their top-order trio: Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. With Gill and Sai Sudharsan both crossing the 700-run mark and establishing a formidable record of century partnerships, the dependency seemed evident to pundits. However, Solanki dismissed the criticism surrounding this strategy.
“The number of times I’ve had to answer that question… quite seriously, we’ve just played a final,” Solanki remarked. He argued that the statistical success of the top order speaks for itself, and to focus solely on the lack of middle-order contributions ignores the reality of reaching a final. In the final itself, tactical shifts—such as the promotion of Nishant Sindhu ahead of Buttler after the early loss of both openers—were described by Solanki as on-the-spot judgment calls made by head coach Ashish Nehra.
Strategic Miscalculations and Future Outlook
When reflecting on the loss, Solanki pointed to a miscalculation regarding the nature of the pitch. While the crowd support at the venue felt heavily tilted in favor of the visitors, the tactical error lay in the projected target. “We probably just made a slight miscalculation of what score was appropriate on that pitch,” he explained. “I don’t think it was a 200-plus pitch of any sort. I think if we had got somewhere around the 180-mark, that would have been a challenging total for them to chase.”
The match was ultimately defined by a masterful chase, steered by Virat Kohli. Even in his moment of disappointment, Solanki maintained his professional composure regarding the opposition’s star player. “We’re all privileged to see good players play, and Virat is an exceptional player,” he said. “He played a great knock for his team. I’m probably not celebrating that knock right now, but he guided it the way he did.”
Moving Forward
As the dust settles on IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans leave with their heads held high. Solanki’s perspective serves as a reminder of the fine margins in professional cricket. While the ambition of the club remains the ultimate prize, the acknowledgement of a successful season—marked by resilience, tactical debate, and high-level performances—is the hallmark of a franchise built to endure. The team’s ability to remain gracious in defeat while looking toward future refinements ensures that the Titans remain a formidable presence in the cricketing landscape.
