Sai Sudharsan dismissed hit-wicket in IPL

RCB set a massive total in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans
Sai Sudharsan became the second player hit-wicket in an IPL playoff
The rare dismissal shifted momentum towards defending champions RCB

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What is the story about?

The IPL 2026 playoffs has kicked off with a blockbuster Qualifier 1 encounter between the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat

Titans (GT).

What unfolded was a dramatic game filled with explosive batting, tactical masterclasses, and a highly unusual dismissal that etched its way into the IPL record books.

Sent in to bat first, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a massive statement right out of the gate. Taking full advantage of the fielding restrictions and the high-altitude Dharamshala conditions, RCB's openers dismantled the formidable Gujarat pace attack, racing to an incredible 76/1 at the end of the mandatory six overs, registering their highest-ever powerplay score in an IPL knockout match.

Following the explosive foundation laid at the top, RCB captain Rajat Patidar took charge of the innings. Operating in the crucial middle overs against GT's lethal spin duo of Rashid Khan and Washington Sundar, Patidar played a brilliantly calculated knock. By anchoring the innings, rotating the strike, and punishing the loose deliveries, Patidar ensured RCB did not lose momentum, successfully setting the stage for a massive total on the board.

GT's Chase and Sai Sudharsan's Bizarre Hit-Wicket

Faced with a daunting target, the Gujarat Titans needed a strong, stable start from their prolific opening partnership. However, their run chase was severely dented by a highly unusual and unfortunate dismissal. In-form opener Sai Sudharsan, who has been a standout performer for GT this season and leading the Orange Cap race was dismissed hit-wicket.

While attempting to negotiate a delivery, Sudharsan accidentally disturbed his own stumps, bringing his crucial knock to an abrupt end. This rare dismissal heavily shifted the momentum of the run chase in Bengaluru's favor.

A Rare Playoff Record: Second After Kusal Mendis

Sai Sudharsan's unfortunate dismissal placed him in a very rare category of IPL history. He became only the second batsman ever to be dismissed hit-wicket during an IPL playoff match.

The first occurrence happened just a year prior, when Kusal Mendis (also playing for the Gujarat Titans) became the first player in IPL history to be dismissed hit-wicket in a playoff game against the Mumbai Indians in the 2025 Eliminator.

Full List of Hit Wickets in IPL

With Sudharsan's dismissal in the 2026 Qualifier 1, the exclusive list of IPL hit-wickets has expanded. Here is the chronological history of all hit-wicket dismissals in the tournament:

Musavir Khote (Mumbai Indians) vs Kings XI Punjab (2008)

Misbah-ul-Haq (Royal Challengers Bangalore) vs Kings XI Punjab (2008)

Swapnil Asnodkar (Rajasthan Royals) vs Chennai Super Kings (2009)

Ravindra Jadeja (Chennai Super Kings) vs Deccan Chargers (2012)

Saurabh Tiwary (Royal Challengers Bangalore) vs Mumbai Indians (2012)

Yuvraj Singh (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Mumbai Indians (2016)

Deepak Hooda (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Daredevils (2016)

David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Kings XI Punjab (2016)

Sheldon Jackson (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017)

Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2019)

Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2020)

Rashid Khan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Chennai Super Kings (2020)