SRH's 86-run collapse 'a blip', says Vettori after record GT loss
Synopsis
SRH's collapse to 86 all out against GT is their worst IPL defeat by runs, yet Vettori insists it's a momentary slip, not a structural flaw. With GT now topping the table and SRH's net run rate in tatters, the real question isn't whether one bad night happens—it's whether SRH can recover before the playoff race tightens.
Key Takeaways
SRH collapsed to 86 all out, their lowest-ever IPL total, chasing 169 against GT .
Sai Sudharsan ( 61 ) and Washington Sundar ( 50 ) powered GT to 168 for 5 .
Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each took 3 wickets for GT .
Head coach Daniel Vettori defended the batting unit, calling the loss a temporary "blip" rather than a systemic failure.
GT moved to the top of the points table; SRH 's net run rate suffered a major blow.
Sunrisers Hyderabad head coach Daniel Vettori on 13 May defended his batting unit after the franchise suffered its worst-ever IPL defeat, collapsing to 86 all out against Gujarat Titans in pursuit of 169. Despite the record loss and a massive dent to net run rate, Vettori characterised the capitulation as a temporary aberration rather than a systemic failure.
How the match unfolded
GT posted 168 for 5, anchored by Sai Sudharsan's 61 and Washington Sundar's 50. In response, SRH imploded on a challenging surface, managing just 86 — their lowest IPL total and their largest defeat by runs in the tournament's history.
Vettori's post-match assessment
"We knew we needed to get off to a good start, and that's what we weren't able to do," Vettori told reporters. "But if they'd scored 200, then we would have known it would have been incredibly difficult. The fact that it was 169 meant we thought we had a chance. You have to start well, and we didn't, and that's what happens."
The SRH coach refused to single out batsmen for criticism. "I don't put any blame on the batting unit. They've been exceptional this year. Every team throughout the IPL is going to have their small blips once in a while, and ours was tonight," he added.
GT's bowling masterclass
Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each claimed 3 wickets, while Prasidh Krishna took 2. Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan chipped in with one apiece. GT's five-seamer attack, complemented by Rashid Khan's leg-spin, proved too potent for SRH's fragile top order.
Implications and the road ahead
The defeat marks GT's ascent to the top of the points table after defending the second-lowest total of the season. For SRH, the heavy loss severely damages their net run rate and serves as a stark reminder of their vulnerability against quality pace bowling. Despite remaining in playoff contention, SRH must recover quickly in their remaining fixtures to secure a top-two finish and avoid the qualification elimination route.
Point of View
And net run rate—a playoff tiebreaker—now works against them. If this is merely a blip, the next three matches will prove it. If it's a pattern, SRH's playoff hopes could unravel fast.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was SRH's score in their loss to GT?
SRH collapsed to 86 all out, their lowest-ever IPL total, while chasing GT's 168 for 5. It was also their biggest defeat by runs in IPL history.
Who were the standout performers for GT?
Sai Sudharsan scored 61 and Washington Sundar made 50 to help GT post 168 for 5. With the ball, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each took 3 wickets, while Prasidh Krishna claimed 2.
What did coach Daniel Vettori say about the collapse?
Vettori defended his batting unit, calling the loss a temporary 'blip' that every team experiences. He acknowledged the need for a better start but refused to blame individual batsmen, citing their overall strong performance in the tournament.
How does this loss affect SRH's playoff chances?
While SRH remains in playoff contention, the heavy defeat significantly damages their net run rate, which could prove crucial in a tight points table. They must bounce back quickly in their remaining fixtures to secure a top-two finish.
