Parthiv backs GT's methods ahead of knockout clash with RR

Are Gujarat Titans a "set template" team? Assistant coach Parthiv Patel refuses to believe so, calling them a team that plays in its own style, ahead of their IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash against Rajasthan Royals on Friday.

The Titans, ranked second on the points table at the end of the league stage, slipped against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1. Stung by a 92-run defeat, they must now go through RR to set up a revenge clash against the defending champions. RR come off a thumping win over SRH, thanks largely to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 97 (29).

Twice before, these teams have met in the Playoffs: both occasions were in 2022, Titans' debut year, when they first beat RR in Qualifier 1, and again in the final.

This year, their success has revolved around the opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj excelling with the new ball. Jason Holder has brought all-round balance, while Rashid Khan is close to his best after a forgettable last season.

When asked if it makes them predictable, especially against a more radical RR unit, Parthiv reminded everyone about GT's success through the league phase.

"We were sitting pretty at number 2 on the points table," Parthiv said. "We know what kind of cricket we want to play. And we back ourselves to give results."

Parthiv reminded everyone of the team's consistency since its inception: a title on debut, runner-up the following year, and reaching the playoffs again last year.

"Everybody has their different way of playing. We have our own style of playing."

Naturally, Sooryavanshi will be the cynosure of all eyes. While praising him, Parthiv looked to downplay his threat.

"I am not a broadcaster now, so I can't tell you what the plans are," Parthiv said. "But it looks good the way he is batting, hopefully we will try to dismiss him early."

On the same topic: "He has been a phenomenal talent. From the opposition's point of view, we hope that he doesn't get going tomorrow."

Sooryavanshi is currently wearing the Orange Cap, but second-placed Sudharsan isn't too far away. The difference in strike-rates (242.85 vs 157.86) is immense though, signifying two contrasting yet effective approaches.

When asked if there's a push to make Sudharsan bat any quicker, Parthiv made it clear that there's no comparison.

"No, I don't think there is any kind of temptation to tell Sai Sudharsan to go at a higher strike-rate. He has been very effective. He is giving us results."

Rashid Khan and Jason Holder have been crucial cogs with the ball. GT are statistically the best bowling unit in the middle overs this year, taking 49 wickets (the most) at 24.67.

Rashid managed nine wickets at 57.11 last year, but this season, he has 19 at 23.47. Parthiv said last year was tough for him only because he was coming from a back injury.

"(After recovery) he has been bowling brilliantly. There is not a question of Rashid's skill level at all. We have full trust in him."

For Holder, GT is a new home after missing the last two seasons. With 15 wickets, he's just one short of his season best tally.

"Even before going for the auction, we had planned to have Jason Holder as our main pick. He brings experience. It's very important for the combination if you have someone who can bowl in the Powerplay, the middle overs, and can bat as well."

Itching to get past their first setback, GT will hope to become just the fourth team ever to win an IPL after playing Qualifier 2.

When asked what GT can take away from their RCB defeat, Parthiv joked that it's better they don't carry anything from the last game.

"Only one good thing I can say is that Tewatia spent time in the middle. Otherwise, in Playoff games, you have to leave that game behind and try and look forward."