Gujarat Titans' Jos Buttler tactic in IPL 2026 final lambasted, management called out: ‘Can’t wrap my head around it'

The final began with Josh Hazlewood removing Shubman Gill in the third over, and one expected to see Buttler coming out. However, the think tank decided to send the youngster, Nishant Sidhu, at No.3, and this move backfired, with the left-hander scoring just 20 runs off 18 balls.

Former England pacer Stuart Broad has now hit out at the management for not sending out Buttler, considering how he has the knack of changing the complexion of the game within a few overs.

“Buttler dropping down was surprising as it's not like he's not exposed to the new ball, having opened so much for England. It does seem slightly curious. The only rationale behind the move was the think tank feeling the pitch was going to get better and have the guy at No.3 to just stay at the crease until the wicket got better for batting, allowing Jos to catch up and do his thing,” he added.

However, Broad reckons that with both batters scoring this number of runs, the middle order went undercooked into the final.

"The problems of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan each scoring over 700 runs were seen in the final. When your openers are this consistent, it doesn't give your middle order much exposure under pressure. And when you need them, they might not be able to drag you over the line. Both openers failed today, and immediately, the thought was they were done," said Broad.

The IPL 2026 final saw GT post 155/8 in 20 overs, only to see RCB overhauling the target with five wickets in hand and 12 balls to spare as Virat Kohli returned with an unbeaten 75.

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