Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Suddenly Brought In For RCB vs GT? Gujarat Finally An – Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Included in GT XI for IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
The Tactical Surprise in Qualifier 1
The atmosphere at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala was electric as the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. Amidst the tension, one selection choice sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike: the inclusion of left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya in the Gujarat Titans playing XI. For Khejroliya, this match represented his first appearance of the 2026 season, a massive stage for a player to make his debut.
Setting the Scene
The Gujarat Titans captain, feeling confident in the team’s ability to chase, won the toss and elected to field first. Dharamshala is traditionally known as a favorable venue for second-innings batting, and the decision appeared sound initially. However, the plan hit a massive roadblock in the form of a record-breaking performance by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Rajat Patidar was the architect of the carnage. With a brilliant 93 not out, he dismantled the GT bowling attack, finding support from Krunal Pandya who contributed a vital 43. With Virat Kohli chipping in with 43 and Devdutt Padikkal setting the tempo with 30 off just 19 balls, RCB posted a formidable 254/5. This total set a new benchmark for IPL playoff history, putting the Titans under immense pressure.
The Trial of Kulwant Khejroliya
The decision to bring in Kulwant Khejroliya was scrutinized heavily, especially after his second over. While he showcased promise during his opening spell, conceding only three runs, the pressure of the playoff environment proved difficult to navigate in his subsequent over. He was taken for 28 runs by the rampant Patidar and Pandya, a sequence that included four boundaries, a six, two no-balls, and a wide.
It was a baptism by fire for the left-armer, as the RCB batters capitalized on every loose delivery, effectively knocking the wind out of the Titans’ sails early in the contest.
Glenn Phillips Addresses the Strategy
Following the match, Gujarat Titans all-rounder Glenn Phillips offered insight into the management’s thought process regarding the selection. According to Phillips, the inclusion was not a gamble but a calculated move based on Khejroliya’s performance in the nets.
“That came from the coaching staff and what they have seen Kulwant do in training, and he’s a phenomenal bowler. He has got great skills and showed those skills in the first over, as we all saw,” Phillips explained during the post-match press conference. He acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, noting, “Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off in the second over, but pressure of the game can do that to someone, and the coaching staff have full faith in everybody.”
Phillips expressed confidence that the team would provide the necessary support to Khejroliya, emphasizing that conversations would take place to ensure he is mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
The Road Ahead for Gujarat Titans
While the chase ultimately fell flat—with the Titans finishing at 162 despite a valiant 68 from Rahul Tewatia—the tournament is far from over for the franchise. The 92-run defeat sends Gujarat into Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Rajasthan Royals.
This second opportunity is crucial. The Qualifier 2 match is scheduled for May 29, 2026, in Mullanpur, offering the Titans a chance at redemption and a path to the final on May 31 in Ahmedabad. For players like Kulwant Khejroliya, the upcoming days will be vital for regrouping, as the team looks to move past the disappointment of the first qualifier and focus on the high-stakes cricket that remains.
The IPL 2026 season continues to provide high-octane drama, and as the tournament reaches its business end, the depth and resilience of every squad will be put to the ultimate test.
