Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes Gujarat Titans would not have been able to beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Gujarat Titans began strongly, with openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan putting together a 128-run stand for the first wicket. However, the visitors failed to finish strongly and had to settle for a total of 205/3. RCB then chased down the target with seven balls to spare, powered by half-centuries from Virat Kohli (81) and Devdutt Padikkal (57).
Rashid Khan picked up two wickets for Gujarat Titans in the match.
Ashwin said Gujarat Titans have certain limitations in their overall approach, but still manage to put pressure on opposition teams largely due to their strong bowling unit, which includes Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan.
However, he also pointed out that the team’s consistency has suffered due to a dip in Rashid Khan’s form.
“Gujarat Titans, we always talk about them. Their template is this. This team never looks to do anything extraordinary. But somehow, they can put pressure on the other teams because of their bowling attack,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.
He added that during Hardik Pandya’s title-winning season, Rashid Khan played a crucial role, but teams are now more comfortable facing him.
Ashwin further said Rashid Khan’s effectiveness has reduced due to changes in his bowling rhythm.
“It is about his finish and whip in the action. From the time the arm speed has slowed, the mystery factor has been taken out of Rashid’s bowling,” he said.
He also noted that Rashid is struggling to complete his bowling action smoothly, which can happen after injury or reduced fitness.
Ashwin concluded that Gujarat Titans may struggle to consistently post very high totals, suggesting that scores around 190–195 are more in line with their current batting strength, rather than 220-plus targets.
With this win, RCB moved to second place in the points table with 10 points from seven matches. Virat Kohli was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning innings. (Agency)
