If Gujarat Titans relies on its core of consistent performers to win T20 matches, Rajasthan Royals’ hopes seem to ride primarily on the X-factor of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
It is perhaps a simplistic reading of the two franchises, but the neutral observer would certainly gravitate towards the latter simply because of the unadulterated thrill that Sooryavanshi’s stroke-making ability elicits.
When a query along these lines was put to Titans’ assistant coach Parthiv Patel on the eve of Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026, the former wicketkeeper-batter asserted that results vindicate the franchise’s approach.
“Every team has a different way of playing. We have been quite consistent about the way we go about our business. As long as we are getting results, we don’t have to think about whether we need an X-factor,” Parthiv told reporters on Thursday.
ALSO READ: GT vs RR, IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans looks to thwart Sooryavanshi’s opening blitz in Qualifier 2
“Other teams can think whatever they want to think. Even in the first half of the tournament, we were not doing great. But we still stuck to our process. We trust in our ability. If we execute our plans, we can win.”
Titans’ established template is facilitated by B. Sai Sudharsan’s voracious appetite for run-scoring at the top. He may not be as explosive as the young left-hander in the opposition, but the 41-year-old coach sees no need for the opener from Chennai to change tack.
“I don’t think there is any kind of temptation to tell Sai Sudharsan to go at a higher strike rate. If someone is striking at 300, it doesn’t mean that everyone has to,” said Parthiv.
Published on May 28, 2026
