‘Predictable’ – GT’s bowling is ‘a bit like SRH’s batting,’ says Tom Moody – Tom Moody Critiques GT’s Predictable Bowling Attack in IPL 2026
The Gujarat Titans Bowling Dilemma
In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced a formidable challenge against a resurgent Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. The match exposed a fundamental flaw in GT’s tactical approach, as their primary strike bowlers—Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj—struggled to contain the opposition on a flat deck. The duo, who have earned praise throughout the season for their Test-match-style lengths and swing, returned combined figures of 7-0-100-2, leaving the cricket fraternity questioning the rigidity of their strategy.
The Predictability Factor
Tom Moody, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) global director of cricket, offered a sharp assessment of the situation during ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut. According to Moody, the Titans suffer from a lack of deception when the surface fails to provide assistance. He remarked, “When there’s zero movement in the surface, that’s when they’re vulnerable, because they don’t have the real extreme change-ups of pace and variety. They do become predictable for that. It’s a bit like Sunrisers Hyderabad. As soon as Sunrisers are put on a surface that’s doing a bit, that batting line-up really struggles. So it’s the complete opposite.”
Moody further emphasized that while Rabada and Siraj possess the ability to bowl slower balls or variations, these are not their go-to weapons. Their success is predicated on hitting hard lengths and utilizing conditions. When those conditions are neutralized by a flat pitch, the bowlers appear lost, lacking the necessary “deception” or tactical adjustments to disrupt the flow of runs.
Insights from Ambati Rayudu
Former cricketer Ambati Rayudu echoed these sentiments, noting that the Titans have become an open book for elite batting lineups. “You know what to expect against GT, and when good batsmen, like what RCB have, know that this is the kind of bowling that’s going to come at us, they are prepared for it,” Rayudu explained. He highlighted a critical lack of a “Plan B.” Rayudu suggested that on tracks where the bowlers are being targeted, a team must be able to switch to defensive bowling to regain control, a facet of the game that GT seemingly struggles to execute effectively.
The Powerplay Collapse
The impact of this predictability was evident during the powerplay, where RCB hammered 76 runs. The onslaught led by Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, and Virat Kohli set the tone for a nightmare outing for the GT attack. The trend only worsened as Rajat Patidar dismantled the bowling lineup, scoring a blistering 93 not out from just 33 balls. The lack of variety allowed the RCB batters to settle in and play with absolute freedom, punishing anything that wasn’t executed to perfection.
The Toss Debate
A major talking point following the defeat was the decision to bowl first upon winning the toss. Reflecting on this choice, Rayudu suggested that GT might have overthought the playoff pressure. Drawing on his experience under Ricky Ponting at Mumbai Indians, he noted, “I always remember this: when I was playing for MI, the great Ricky Ponting always told us, ‘under pressure, win the toss and bat’.”
Rayudu concluded that GT should have played to their strengths rather than trying to adapt to external expectations. “What is your strength? If I can’t land a punch and I can kick, you should only kick. Why should you try and land a punch? You try and do what you can do best.” For the Gujarat Titans, the takeaway from this match is clear: while their current formula is effective under specific conditions, the lack of tactical depth could prove costly in the long run. As they look forward, developing a more versatile set of defensive options and refining their variety will be essential for sustained success at the highest level of cricket.
