“RR Gave It Away On A Platter”: Ashwin Hails Titans’ Dominance Against Rajasthan, Called Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ‘Fearless Prodigy’

Gujarat Titans won their fourth consecutive match in IPL 2026 with a 77-run thumping victory over Rajasthan Royals. Skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan set the tone for the visitors with a 118-run partnership, which laid the foundation of GT's thumping win. Speaking on GT's win in JioHotstar's Post-match discussions, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin discussed Jason Holder and his impact on a 360-degree turnaround in GT's fortunes. The former Indian offie also criticised RR's poor bowling display during the game.

Meanwhile, GT's Assistant Coach Parthiv Patel remarked that most of the conversations in the backend of the game are all about creating situations where batters are put in scenarios where the opposition bowlers could potentially target them and the kind of fields they could set for a particular batter. "Whether it is Sai Sudharsan, Washington Sundar or Rahul Tewatia, the discussions are always about understanding their stronger areas, where they could be bowled to, and how you could get the desired result. We practise a lot, especially with the middle order, because they don't always get enough time in matches," Patel further added.

He highlighted the priority on the middle order, which often has limited time in matches. GT use their B ground to stage match-like scenarios. According to Patel, these simulations helped Tewatia hit two sixes in the last over and Washington finish a chase against Punjab.

Jason Holder’s impact on Gujarat Titans

Patel said GT had been clear about Jason Holder during auction planning. "When we were planning for the auction, we were okay with not getting any other player, but we were determined to get Jason Holder," he said, calling the all-rounder crucial over the last 12 to 18 months.

He praised Holder's recent T20 record and leadership traits. GT also wanted to use Glenn Phillips' form early in the season, but that did not work out. Patel felt Holder's inclusion at a key stage has helped change their campaign direction.

Ashwin on GT’s 229 and RR’s response

Speaking on the same JioHotstar show, JioStar expert Ravichandran Ashwin said a total of 229 was above par. "If GT ever needed a game in this IPL to get right up there at the top of the table, this was it," he observed.

Ashwin felt Rajasthan Royals now face a tough final stretch of three games. He described their display as "a very ordinary performance" and called some bowling plans "bizarre". He said poor execution meant RR "just didn't have anything going for them" on the night.

He called GT "a very good team" with "a great bowling attack" but argued 230 was beyond their usual batting profile. Ashwin said RR "gave it on a platter" and then lacked enough batting depth to chase down the target.

Ashwin on 'Fearless Prodigy’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi

Ashwin also spoke about young batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whom he called a "Fearless Prodigy". He said Suryavanshi "is leaving no stone unturned, putting every ounce of force he can into the cricket ball," and praised his performance in the U-19 World Cup final.

Ashwin said Suryavanshi "is looking like a box-office player" at just 15. He urged that the youngster should simply enjoy his cricket and not be pushed into extra responsibilities. According to him, there is "no point asking him to do things he shouldn't be doing" now.

He pointed to experienced team-mates Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag and Donovan Ferreira batting after Suryavanshi. Ashwin said the teenager should not carry the burden of the line-up. If he provides fast starts, Royals "should be winning games like those comfortably," he added.

Ashwin said Suryavanshi "is taking every bowler down" and backed him for the longest format too. "I wouldn't mind watching him in a Test match, and I wouldn't mind watching him in all three formats of the game," he said, expecting the youngster to draw big crowds.