‘Predictable’ – GT’s bowling is ‘a bit like SRH’s batting,’ says Tom Moody – Tom Moody Critiques GT Bowling Predictability After Playoff Loss
The Tactical Dilemma Facing Gujarat Titans
In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 playoffs, the Gujarat Titans (GT) found themselves under the microscope following a difficult outing against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The Qualifier 1 clash served as a stern reminder that even the most formidable bowling units can be dismantled when conditions do not favor their primary tactical approach. As the dust settles, cricket pundits are questioning whether GT’s reliance on a specific style of bowling has become their greatest weakness.
The ‘Predictability’ Problem
During the match, the RCB top-order batters aggressively dismantled the bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. The duo, usually lauded for their hard lengths and swing bowling, struggled significantly, conceding 100 runs in seven overs with only two wickets to show for it. Tom Moody, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) global director of cricket, offered a sharp assessment on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut, noting that the Titans appear to be the bowling equivalent of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batting lineup.
“When there is zero movement in the surface, that is when they are vulnerable, because they do not have the real extreme change-ups of pace and variety,” Moody explained. He drew a direct comparison to SRH, who often find themselves in trouble when the pitch provides assistance. “As soon as Sunrisers are put on a surface that is doing a bit, that batting line-up really struggles. So it is the complete opposite for GT. You get the ball just nipping or swinging a little bit, and Siraj and Rabada are lethal. But on a flat surface, they do not have the answers. They do not have the huge change-ups of pace or the deception to trouble set batters.”
Lack of a ‘Plan B’
Ambati Rayudu echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that GT’s predictability is often their undoing on benign surfaces. Rayudu pointed out that while the Titans have built a fortress in Ahmedabad where conditions often favor their style, they lack a defensive Plan B when the opposition attacks. “You know what to expect against GT,” Rayudu observed. “When good batsmen, like what RCB have, know that this is the kind of bowling that is going to come at us, they are prepared for it. Sometimes you need to go defensive on surfaces that are very good, to become attacking again after you get a wicket. GT either has it under complete control or they lose it entirely.”
The Impact of the Toss Decision
The match also sparked a debate regarding GT’s decision to field first after winning the toss. Despite the trend of chasing teams having success in Dharamsala, Rayudu argued that GT should have played to their strengths rather than chasing trends. “I told a friend that the best chance for GT would be to lose the toss,” Rayudu stated. “Because a team that has limitations must play within them. They should not overdo things just because it is a playoff. Just do your little bit and let your bowlers—the strength of your team—go out there and try to defend.”
Referencing the philosophy of legendary captain Ricky Ponting, Rayudu argued that teams under pressure should prioritize putting runs on the board. “What is your strength? If I cannot land a punch and I can kick, you should only kick. Why should you try to land a punch? You try and do what you can do best.”
Looking Ahead
The performance in Dharamsala has raised significant questions for the GT think tank. While their bowlers have been exceptional throughout the season, the inability to adapt to flat surfaces and high-pressure run-scoring by the opposition could prove fatal to their title aspirations. For the Titans, the task is now to develop the variety and tactical flexibility required to compete, regardless of what the pitch conditions dictate. Whether it is adding slower-ball variations or learning to bowl more defensively when under the pump, the evolution of their strategy is clearly the next frontier for the franchise.
