Sai Sudharsan Retires Hurt Vs KKR, Shubman Gill's Partner Walks Back In Pain

Sudharsan retired hurt vs KKR [Source: AFP]

GT bowlers were taken to the cleaners by the KKR batters and the Titans were set a target of 248 to seal their place in the IPL 2026 playoffs. For the Gujarat Titans side to win the contest, they needed Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan to deliver the goods.

It was expected that Gill would be the chief aggressor early in the innings, but it was the opposite as Sudharsan took the aggressive route and made a mockery of the KKR attack. The batter slammed a quickfire 23 off 13, and he was destined for a big score before disaster struck.

Sai Sudharsan retires hurt vs KKR

The elegant southpaw copped a blow on his elbow, and he was taken off the field as the GT opener was retired hurt. The incident occurred on the last ball of the 3rd over from Kartik Tyagi.

The KKR pacer bowled a short of a length ball as Sudharsan missed his attempted pull shot, and in the process, the ball struck him hard on the back of his left elbow. The batter looked in immense pain as the physio walked out on the field.

It was a 138 km/h delivery, and Sudharsan was hit ferociously as the batter couldn’t continue, and a decision was made to take him off the field as Nishant Sindhu replaced him.

Can Sudharsan come out to bat again?

Yes, Sudharsan can come out and play again. Had he been ‘retired out’ instead of retired hurt, the batter wouldn’t have been able to come out and play again. As per the IPL rules, a player who suffered an injury and was taken off the field can make a comeback in the same innings.

However, there is a catch even in this IPL rule. Sudharsan must wait for a wicket to fall or another batter to retire before returning to the crease. Even if he has recovered from the elbow jolt, he cannot come out to bat unless KKR strikes with a wicket.

Also Read: Shubman Gill's GT Creates Unwanted IPL Feat With Shambolic Performance Vs KKR

Players who retired hurt in IPL 2026

It was Rohit Sharma, who became the first and the biggest injury victim midway through an IPL match. In the crucial clash vs RCB at the Wankhede Stadium, the MI great suffered a hamstring injury, and he couldn’t continue, and was taken off the field by the team physio.

In the IPL 2026 match between RCB and LSG, Rishabh Pant missed a delivery from Josh Hazlewood, and he copped a blow on his elbow as he retired hurt. However, the LSG skipper came back to bat once again after getting the treatment.

RCB was once again the opponent when Delhi Capitals captain, Axar Patel suffered cramps on his calf, and he couldn’t continue as he walked off the field in pain.

Also Read: KKR Fooled Again! Matheesha Pathirana Walks Out Injured On IPL 2026 Debut

Sudharsan's injury, a blessing for KKR

This season, GT opener Sai Sudharsan has been the team’s best player and one of the best batters in the IPL 2026. He is the current Orange Cap holder, and has amassed 524 runs in 13 league stage matches.

The opener also has a terrific record against KKR, smashing 127 runs in three matches, with a solid strike rate of 141.

He was looking in ominous touch in the ongoing contest, and hence, his injury could be a blessing for KKR as the Gujarat Titans are already one batter short.

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