‘Predictable’ – GT’s bowling is ‘a bit like SRH’s batting,’ says Tom Moody – Tom Moody Critiques GT’s Predictable Bowling Attack in IPL 2026

The Vulnerability of a One-Dimensional Attack

In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 playoffs, the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced a stark reality check. During Qualifier 1, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) top-order batters systematically dismantled the GT bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, the stalwarts of the Gujarat unit, finished with combined figures of 7-0-100-2, a statistic that reflects a total loss of control on a flat surface. Tom Moody, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) global director of cricket, did not mince his words when describing the shortcomings of the GT pace battery.

The Comparison to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Tom Moody drew an intriguing parallel between Gujarat’s bowling and the batting woes often associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He suggested that both sides operate with a rigid philosophy that succeeds only when conditions are in their favor. Moody explained that when a surface offers zero movement, the GT bowlers are left exposed. They lack the extreme variety, deception, and nuanced slower balls that characterize more versatile bowling attacks. While Rabada and Siraj have mastered the art of hitting hard lengths and utilizing swing, these skills become a liability on surfaces that demand tactical flexibility.

As Moody noted, the absence of a ‘Plan B’—such as a deceptive slower ball akin to those mastered by specialists—meant the bowlers were easy targets for aggressive batters like Rajat Patidar, who struck a blistering 93 off just 33 deliveries.

Rayudu on the ‘Predictability’ Problem

Ambati Rayudu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that GT’s predictability is their biggest undoing. According to Rayudu, when opposition batters recognize that the bowling plan is limited to a singular length, they can prepare accordingly. ‘You can only be so good, but on a given day a batsman goes after you, what is your plan B?’ Rayudu questioned. He highlighted that GT tends to operate in extremes: they either have the match under complete control, or they lose the thread entirely, failing to pivot when the game shifts.

Was the Toss a Tactical Error?

The decision by GT to field first upon winning the toss has also come under intense debate. While chasing had been successful in previous matches at the venue, critics argue that a team must play to its strengths. Rayudu, reflecting on his experiences playing under Ricky Ponting for the Mumbai Indians, argued that teams with specific limitations should play to their identity. ‘Why should you try and land a punch if you are a kicker?’ Rayudu asked, metaphorically explaining that if bowling is a team’s primary strength, they should have opted to put runs on the board and apply pressure through their traditional bowling methods.

Lessons for the Future

The 76 runs conceded in the powerplay during Qualifier 1 served as a painful reminder that the IPL is a tournament of constant adaptation. By relying heavily on conditions that favor their specific style of swing and seam, the Gujarat Titans left themselves vulnerable to high-quality batting lineups. For a team that has built a successful brand in Ahmedabad, moving away from home conditions requires a more diverse tactical repertoire.

Ultimately, the critique from seasoned experts like Moody and Rayudu serves as a wake-up call. As the IPL continues to evolve, the ability to bowl defensively on flat tracks and integrate creative variety will become the differentiator between championship contenders and those who fold under pressure.