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Watch- Sai Sudharsan’s Hit Wicket Controversy Takes New Turn, Batter Seen Applying Chemical

Ethan Arora · · 4 min read

An Unusual Turn of Events in the IPL 2026 Playoffs

In the high-stakes world of professional cricket, being dismissed ‘hit wicket’ is a rarity that often leaves spectators and players alike in complete disbelief. For Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, this statistical anomaly has transformed into a frustrating, recurring nightmare. During the critical playoff stages of the IPL 2026 season, Sudharsan found himself dismissed in this bizarre fashion not once, but twice within the span of a single week.

As fans and analysts dissect the footage, a new, previously unseen video has surfaced, adding a layer of mystery to the situation. Watch- Sai Sudharsan’s Hit Wicket Controversy Takes New Turn, Batter Seen Applying Chemical to his bat handle before facing the delivery. This common practice, intended to improve grip and prevent the bat from slipping, highlights the lengths to which the young batter was going to ensure stability at the crease, making the eventual outcome all the more ironic.

The Science of the Slip

The spray applied by cricketers is standard equipment in the modern game. By increasing the friction between the gloves and the willow, it minimizes the risk of the bat slipping out of the hands during a powerful swing. Despite Sudharsan’s clear preparation and adherence to these precautionary measures, fate had other plans. Even with the added grip, the technical mechanics of his swing during the high-pressure playoff atmosphere led to the bat traveling backward into the stumps.

A History of Unfortunate Dismissals

The sequence of events for Sudharsan has been nothing short of historic, albeit for the wrong reasons. During the Qualifier 1 match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 26, Sudharsan was in sublime form. He had perfectly timed a shot for a boundary, but the momentum caused his grip to falter, sending the bat crashing into the stumps after a single bounce. This occurred during the third over of the chase at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, leaving the Titans reeling.

Just a few days later, in the Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals in New Chandigarh, history repeated itself. Sudharsan was well-set, batting on 58 off 32 balls, and had just struck a cracking boundary off Brijesh Sharma’s low full-toss. As he followed through, the bat flew out of his hands and landed squarely on the stumps. This dismissal marked a significant blow to the Gujarat Titans as they navigated a challenging 214-run chase.

Record-Breaking Misfortune

With this latest incident, Sai Sudharsan has etched his name into the IPL record books, becoming the first player in the league’s history to be dismissed ‘hit wicket’ three times in his career. Furthermore, he holds the unenviable distinction of being the first player to suffer this mode of dismissal twice in a single season.

The Road to the Final

Despite the individual misfortune surrounding Sudharsan, the Gujarat Titans displayed incredible resilience as a collective unit. In the Qualifier 2 clash against the Rajasthan Royals, the team dominated the proceedings, chasing down the 214-run target with seven wickets in hand and eight balls to spare. A brilliant knock from captain Shubman Gill, who blasted 104 runs from just 53 balls, ensured that the Titans secured their spot in the summit clash.

The Gujarat Titans are now set to face the defending champions, RCB, in the IPL 2026 final. The showdown is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With the tournament title on the line, fans are eager to see if Sudharsan can overcome his recent luck and deliver a performance worthy of the grand stage, or if the ghost of his recent dismissals will continue to haunt his technique. As the cricketing world turns its attention to Ahmedabad, all eyes will be on the openers to see if they can maintain their composure under the intense pressure of a championship match.

Ethan Arora

Ethan Arora is a senior editor and long-form cricket writer for ESPNcricinfo. Based in Karachi, he has covered Pakistan cricket and global tournaments for over two decades, contributing to publications such as The Cricket Monthly, Dawn, and The Guardian. His work often explores the intersection of cricket, politics, and culture in South Asia, with a particular focus on fast bowling history, Test cricket narratives, and the internal dynamics of the Pakistan dressing room. Samiuddin is also the editor of The Unquiet Ones: A History of Pakistan Cricket, widely regarded as one of the definitive books on the subject. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he is known for marrying American long-form journalism techniques with the rich oral traditions of the subcontinent. Follow him for sharp match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes features from ICC events and Pakistan Super League coverage.