Bengaluru: Sai Sudharsan returned to form in emphatic fashion, smashing a brilliant century to power Gujarat Titans against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday.

The elegant left-hander brought up his hundred in just 57 balls, an innings studded with 11 fours and five sixes. His knock not only anchored Gujarat Titans’ innings but also marked a significant turnaround in what had been a modest season so far.

Sudharsan answers critics with dominant knock

Coming into the match, Sudharsan had managed just 135 runs in his first six innings, with only one half-century to his name. However, he looked in complete control from the outset against a disciplined RCB bowling attack.

Facing experienced bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, Sudharsan displayed remarkable composure. He handled the new ball with confidence, playing late and finding gaps with precision, ensuring Gujarat Titans maintained a steady scoring rate.

His ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries allowed GT to build momentum early in the innings, setting the platform for a formidable total.

Milestones and records add shine

The century also saw Sudharsan enter the record books on multiple fronts. He became the 14th batter to score an IPL hundred against RCB and only the second Gujarat Titans player to achieve the feat after Shubman Gill, who accomplished it in IPL 2023.

Earlier in the innings, Sudharsan had already scripted history by becoming the fastest batter to reach 2,000 IPL runsachieving the milestone in just 47 innings. He surpassed the legendary Chris Gayle, who had previously reached the mark in 48 innings.

The left-hander’s consistency has been a hallmark of his IPL journey. With over 2,000 runs in just 47 matches, he has maintained an impressive average and strike rate, underlining his value at the top of the order.

He also joined an elite list of players known for rapid run accumulation, including Abhishek Sharma, Virender Sehwag, and Rishabh Pant.

Smart batting on a tricky surface

Sudharsan revealed after the innings that the pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was not as easy as it appeared.

He explained that clear communication with his batting partner helped him assess the surface better.

Despite the fluent strokeplay, the batter admitted that conditions were challenging.

Focus on finishing strong

One of the most notable aspects of Sudharsan’s innings was his emphasis on converting a good start into a big score — something he acknowledged had been missing earlier in the season.

His celebration after reaching the milestone reflected both relief and satisfaction, signalling a return to peak form at a crucial stage of the tournament.

At the halfway stage of the innings, Sudharsan was already dominating, scoring 85 off 49 balls and dictating terms against the RCB bowlers with a mix of classical shots and innovative strokeplay.

A crucial knock for Gujarat Titans

Sudharsan’s century played a pivotal role in guiding Gujarat Titans to a strong total, putting pressure on the RCB batting line-up. His innings combined technical solidity with calculated aggression, making it one of the standout performances of IPL 2026 so far.

The knock not only boosted his personal confidence but also strengthened Gujarat Titans’ campaign as they look to maintain consistency in a highly competitive season.

Conclusion

Sai Sudharsan’s century against RCB was more than just a return to form — it was a statement of intent. Overcoming a lean patch, he delivered when it mattered most, showcasing maturity and adaptability on a challenging pitch. With records tumbling and confidence restored, Sudharsan appears set to play a key role for Gujarat Titans in the remainder of IPL 2026.