Jaipur, May 10: Rajasthan Royals bowling coach Shane Bond said his side's bowlers must evolve and innovate after another disappointing performance during their 77-run defeat to Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rajasthan conceded 229/4 before being bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday — the fourth consecutive match in which they have shipped more than 200 runs.

Bond's candid assessment

Speaking after the match, Bond expressed frustration at his side's inability to adapt under pressure. "We just haven't played well enough in conditions that we know. We've been outplayed by our opposition," he said. The former New Zealand fast bowler stressed that execution and decision-making were equally critical. "There are two things: decision-making and execution. I think tonight, you would have probably noticed that execution just wasn't consistent enough for long enough," Bond added.

The modern T20 challenge

Bond pointed to the rapidly evolving nature of T20 batting as a driver of the need for bowlers to rethink their approach. "The batsmen, they're coming out, they're playing ultra-aggressive, and putting pressure on bowlers. So as a bowler, you've got to ask, well, 'what can I do differently?'" he said. He outlined specific tactical adaptations: studying batsmen's scoring zones with analysts, varying run-up length, and bowling from different angles. "I may have to bowl off a shorter run and a longer run. I've got to be able to come around the wicket and bowl on both sides," Bond explained.

Innovation or stagnation

The RR coach stressed that repeating the same methods while expecting different results was no longer viable in the IPL. "When you see the bowlers are doing the same thing, game after game after game, getting the same result, then my question would be: you've got to be doing something different and developing your game," he said. He drew a parallel with batsmen, who have developed a wide array of shots — uppercuts, reverse strokes, scoops. "So a bowler has to develop their range of skills as well," Bond added.

Opportunity amid challenge

Bond framed the high-scoring era as an opportunity rather than a crisis for bowlers willing to innovate. "I think it's a great opportunity for any bowler to go: 'if I can do that, then I can elevate myself into a lot of money and be a superstar'. I just don't think you've consistently seen that across the board," he said. He urged bowlers to embrace the challenge. "It's certainly not easy for the bowlers, but you can either fear it, fear what's going on out there, or see it as an opportunity to get better and maybe put your name up in lights," Bond concluded.

How Gujarat won

Gujarat's innings was anchored by captain Shubman Gill's unbeaten 84 and Sai Sudharsan's 55. In Rajasthan's chase, Rashid Khan dismantled the batting with figures of 4-33, sealing the 77-run victory.