IPL 2026: Teams now believe 220-240 targets are chaseable, says Gavaskar after RR's stunning win
Synopsis
IPL 2026 is witnessing a batting revolution. After Rajasthan Royals' successful 220-plus chase against Punjab Kings, Gavaskar argues that teams now operate under a new psychological contract: no target is unattainable. The ripple effect has normalised what was once audacious. For Mumbai Indians, struggling with consistency and facing Hyderabad next, the message is stark — win or face playoff elimination.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Royals chased down a stiff target against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on 29 April , handing the table-toppers their first defeat.
Sunil Gavaskar attributes the chasing trend to earlier successful 260-plus chases by RCB and PBKS , which shifted team mindsets.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's aggressive opening knock set the tone for Rajasthan's successful pursuit.
Teams now believe 220-240 targets are chaseable, a marked shift from earlier IPL seasons.
Mumbai Indians face Sunrisers Hyderabad next and must win to stay in playoff contention after recent inconsistency.
Batting standards in IPL 2026 have reached unprecedented heights, with former India captain Sunil Gavaskar attributing a seismic shift in team mindsets to a cascade of successful high-scoring chases. Rajasthan Royals' pursuit of a stiff target against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Tuesday, 29 April, which ended the table-toppers' unbeaten run, exemplifies the new batting confidence sweeping the tournament.
The chasing revolution
Gavaskar traced the turning point to earlier chases by RCB against GT and PBKS against DC, where teams successfully hunted down 260-plus totals with relative comfort. "Once one team does that, others start believing they can do it as well," Gavaskar told JioStar. The contagion effect has been stark: multiple 200-plus chases have since materialised, with 220-plus targets now routinely breached with overs to spare. This psychological shift marks a departure from earlier IPL seasons, where such targets were considered commanding.
Sooryavanshi's impact
Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi orchestrated Rajasthan's chase with an aggressive knock that set the tone from ball one. Gavaskar singled out his field awareness and stroke selection: "He made excellent use of the field and picked the line beautifully. The way he strikes the ball with such ease and power is remarkable." The veteran attributed Sooryavanshi's fearlessness to youth, noting that inexperience often translates into unshackled aggression. His innings was complemented by a strong middle-order finish, cementing the chase.
Mumbai's precarious position
Mumbai Indians, despite remaining in contention for a playoff spot, have stumbled through inconsistency this season. Their recent collapse — being bowled out for around 100 — has compounded concerns. Gavaskar warned that such heavy defeats carry long-term ramifications in a tight race for the fourth playoff berth. "MI now need to win every game from here," he stated, acknowledging their capability but flagging the urgency. Key performers Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have underdelivered, contrasting sharply with Sunrisers Hyderabad's balanced excellence across batting and bowling.
Hyderabad's ascendancy
Sunrisers Hyderabad enter their clash against MI as clear favourites, having impressed with both bat and ball throughout the tournament. Their consistency stands in stark relief to Mumbai's volatility, making the forthcoming contest a critical juncture for the latter's playoff hopes.
Point of View
But Gavaskar's framing masks a deeper fragility: if chasing has become routine, it signals bowling — particularly death bowling — has deteriorated. Teams aren't suddenly better; they're simply facing worse bowling at crucial junctures. For Mumbai, the real problem isn't the playoff race; it's that their core — Yadav, Pandya — haven't fired. No amount of chasing prowess masks that void.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Gavaskar's remarks about teams chasing 220-plus totals?
Rajasthan Royals' successful chase against Punjab Kings on 29 April, which ended Punjab's unbeaten run, exemplified a broader trend in IPL 2026. Gavaskar noted that multiple teams have now chased 200-plus totals with increasing ease, signalling a psychological shift in how teams approach big targets.
Who was the standout performer in Rajasthan's chase?
Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the charge with an aggressive knock that set the tone from the start. Gavaskar praised his field awareness, line selection, and fearless approach, attributing his composure to the advantage of youth.
Why is Mumbai Indians' position precarious?
Mumbai remain in contention for a playoff spot but have struggled with inconsistency, including a recent collapse where they were bowled out for around 100. Key players Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya have underdelivered, forcing MI to win every remaining game to secure a top-four finish.
How does Sunrisers Hyderabad compare to Mumbai Indians heading into their clash?
Sunrisers Hyderabad have impressed with both bat and ball throughout IPL 2026, displaying consistency that contrasts sharply with Mumbai's volatility. They enter the contest as clear favourites.
