Rabada 'leader of GT pace attack' after 3-28 haul dismantles SRH for 86
Synopsis
Rabada's spell wasn't just about numbers — it was about control. With 21 wickets already banked and SRH folded for 86, the South African has become the visible face of GT's bowling strategy. Karim's observation cuts deeper: Rabada doesn't just take wickets; he orchestrates the attack. That's the difference between a leading bowler and a bowling leader.
Key Takeaways
Kagiso Rabada took 3 for 28 as Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs on 13 May 2026 .
Rabada now has 21 wickets in IPL 2026, leading the tournament's wicket-taker chart.
SRH were restricted to 86 in reply to GT's 168/5 , their lowest total of the season.
Sai Sudharsan (61) and Washington Sundar (50) anchored GT's batting with half-centuries.
Gujarat Titans moved to the top of the points table with 16 points from 12 matches .
Kagiso Rabada delivered a match-defining spell of 3 for 28 as Gujarat Titans crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs in IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 13 May. The South African fast bowler, now the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 21 scalps, dismantled SRH's top order after the hosts posted 168/5, bundling out Hyderabad for just 86.
Rabada's commanding spell
Rabada struck early and often, removing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan in quick succession before adding Smaran Ravichandran to leave SRH reeling at 34/4 inside the powerplay. Former India wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim, analysing the match for Jio Hotstar, highlighted Rabada's tactical acumen: "The way he planned Abhishek's wicket was wonderful. Against Ishan, who looked solid in his zone, Rabada smartly kept the ball short and away to force the mistake."
Setting the tone for bowlers
Karim underscored Rabada's leadership role within GT's bowling unit. "With the form he is in, Rabada has become the leader of this GT pace attack. He generated extra bounce off the surface and looked fiery throughout. He is the one who leads the bowling plans, and the others follow his lead," Karim said. This is the third consecutive IPL season in which Rabada has finished as one of the tournament's leading wicket-takers.
Supporting cast seals the rout
Mohammed Siraj had provided the perfect start, dismissing Travis Head for a duck in a wicket-maiden opening over. Jason Holder then ensured there was no recovery, returning figures of 3/20, while Prasidh Krishna chipped in with two wickets. The collective bowling effort restricted SRH to their lowest total of the season.
Titans' batting foundation
Sai Sudharsan (61) and Washington Sundar (50) anchored GT's innings after being asked to bat first, guiding the franchise to a competitive total. Their half-centuries proved decisive on a surface that increasingly favoured the pacers.
Playoff push strengthened
With this win, Gujarat Titans moved to the top of the points table with 16 points from 12 matches. They face Kolkata Knight Riders on 16 May in a fixture that could effectively seal their playoff berth if they secure victory.
Point of View
But Karim's framing is the insight. He's not just a bowler filling a quota — he's the intellectual centre of GT's attack. The tactical choices (short to Ishan, planning Abhishek's dismissal) reveal a bowler who reads surfaces and batsmen, not one who just bowls fast. In a tournament where overseas pacers often struggle with Indian conditions, Rabada's adaptation stands out. The real test: can he sustain this through a playoff run where surfaces will vary and batsmen will adjust?
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Kagiso Rabada's figures in the GT vs SRH match?
Rabada took 3 wickets for 28 runs in 4 overs, dismantling SRH's top order and restricting them to 86 in reply to GT's 168/5.
How many wickets has Rabada taken in IPL 2026 so far?
Rabada has taken 21 wickets in IPL 2026, making him the leading wicket-taker of the tournament as of 13 May.
What did Saba Karim say about Rabada's role in GT's bowling attack?
Karim praised Rabada as the leader of GT's pace attack, noting that he sets the tone for other bowlers and orchestrates the bowling plans. Karim highlighted Rabada's tactical awareness in dismissing both Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan.
What is Gujarat Titans' current position in IPL 2026?
With this win, Gujarat Titans moved to the top of the points table with 16 points from 12 matches. They next face Kolkata Knight Riders on 16 May.
