Solanki ‘would have liked to have gone one step further’ but still ‘immensely proud’ of GT

Reflecting on a Hard-Fought Campaign

In the aftermath of the high-stakes IPL 2026 final, Gujarat Titans (GT) director of cricket, Vikram Solanki, offered a balanced perspective on his team’s performance. Despite falling short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a match that drew massive crowds in Ahmedabad, Solanki chose to focus on the team’s resilience throughout the tournament rather than lingering on the disappointments of the final result.

A Gracious Defeat

Solanki began his post-match assessment by extending his congratulations to the eventual champions. RCB showcased an outstanding level of cricket throughout the season, finishing at the top of the league table and maintaining their dominance by defeating the Titans twice during the campaign. Solanki remarked that the Titans must take these lessons on board to improve for future seasons, emphasizing that the team’s pride in their achievements outweighs the sting of the final defeat.

“There’s no question that we would have liked to have gone one step further, but there are a lot of other teams that would have gladly taken our place as well,” Solanki stated, highlighting the competitive nature of the league.

Overcoming Challenges

The road to the final was far from straightforward for the Gujarat Titans. A tough loss to RCB in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala forced the team into a grueling schedule, requiring them to play three high-intensity matches within a five-day window. Arriving in Ahmedabad late Saturday night left the squad with less than 20 hours to prepare for the championship decider. Despite these logistical hurdles and the physical fatigue inherent in such a schedule, Solanki refused to use these factors as excuses for their performance.

He emphasized that the team’s philosophy is built on strength and accountability. Rather than complaining about travel or external conditions, Solanki maintained that RCB performed better on the day, and it was the responsibility of the Titans to accept that reality with grace.

Addressing Tactical Questions

Throughout the season, media scrutiny often targeted the team’s reliance on their star-studded top three: Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. With Gill and Sai Sudharsan both crossing the 700-run mark and setting records for century partnerships in T20 cricket, the criticism regarding the middle order often felt repetitive to the coaching staff. Solanki dismissed these concerns, noting that reaching a final is evidence enough of a successful campaign.

The decision to promote Nishant Sindhu to the No. 3 spot in the final, ahead of Buttler after the loss of two early wickets, was a tactical move made by head coach Ashish Nehra. While the move did not yield the desired outcome, Solanki defended it as a spontaneous judgment call made in the heat of the moment during the innings.

Looking Ahead and Tactical Miscalculations

Regarding the pitch conditions, Solanki admitted that the team likely miscalculated the par score for the Ahmedabad surface. He suggested that, while the crowd atmosphere favored RCB, the pitch was not a 200-plus run track. A total in the range of 180 might have provided a more formidable challenge for the opposition.

When asked about the brilliance of Virat Kohli during the chase, Solanki maintained a professional, albeit wry, demeanor. While acknowledging the privilege of witnessing an exceptional player at work, he conceded that he was not in a celebratory mood given the context of the loss. Ultimately, the Gujarat Titans leave the 2026 season with their heads held high, ready to recalibrate and return stronger next year.