Similar to how CSK were in the past

Ravichandran Ashwin lauded Gujarat Titans’ (GT) consistency despite a heartbreaking five-wicket defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. The Shubman Gill-led side posted a below-par 155/8 after being invited to bat first.

Notably, it was the Gujarat-based side’s third final appearance in their five-year IPL history. The former cricketer emphasized that GT should be proud of themselves even though they ended as the runners-up.

Ashwin even remarked that the current GT side are similar to what CSK were in their prime. The cricketer-turned-commentator said in his latest YouTube video:

“GT can be very proud of themselves. They adapted to cover the holes in their team. They showed their strength and protected their weakness. I hope they strengthen their middle order and pay attention to finishers in the next auction. If they can really attach those holes, GT have been a very consistent team, and they can become an even better team. They have dominated since their IPL debut. I feel that GT is similar to how CSK were in the past.”

Gujarat’s batting let them down in the final. Washington Sundar was the lone warrior with his unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries. Bengaluru chased the target in 18 overs, thanks to Virat Kohli’s superb 75* off 42 balls.

“I do not understand why they sent Nishant Sindhu” – R Ashwin on GT’s batting order gamble in IPL 2026 final

GT were off to a poor start with the bat. Skipper Shubman Gill scored just 10 runs off eight balls before perishing to Josh Hazlewood in the third over. Interestingly, Gujarat sent in uncapped batter Nishant Sindhu at No. 3 ahead of the experienced Jos Buttler.

The move didn’t pay off as the southpaw was dismissed for 20 off 18 balls. R Ashwin reckoned that Buttler should have come in at No. 3 after the early wicket.

He added in the same video:

“I would have loved to see Jos Buttler walk in at No. 3. I do not understand why they sent Nishant Sindhu. Gujarat gave their 400 percent and can be very proud of what they did.”

Buttler batted at No. 4 but failed to bail GT out of trouble. The wicketkeeper-batter was stumped off Krunal Pandya’s bowling after a 23-ball 19-run knock.