Sanjay Manjrekar’s praise for GT owners comes with direct swipe at Ambanis & MI – Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Gujarat Titans’ Ownership, Contrasting Mumbai Indians
Sanjay Manjrekar Lauds Gujarat Titans’ Discreet Ownership Model
In the high-stakes world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where franchise success often hinges on a delicate balance of cricketing acumen and strategic management, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has offered a compelling perspective. Manjrekar recently expressed significant praise for the Gujarat Titans (GT) owners, specifically commending their decision to not excessively interfere with the team’s cricketing operations. This endorsement arrives amidst GT’s remarkable journey, culminating in their consistent performance and a strong finish in the current IPL 2026 season.
The Gujarat Titans’ Ascendancy: A Model of Consistency
Since their inception in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have carved out a reputation for remarkable consistency, a feat that is often elusive for newer franchises. Their inaugural season saw them clinch the coveted IPL trophy, an extraordinary achievement that immediately established their credentials. In an impressive display of sustained excellence, the Titans have reached the playoffs in four out of the five seasons they have participated in, underlining a deep-rooted stability within their setup.
The IPL 2026 season proved to be another testament to their resilience. While the franchise underwent an ownership transition last year, with the Torrent Group acquiring a majority stake from CVC Capital, this change seemingly had no detrimental impact on their on-field performances. After navigating a somewhat volatile first half of the tournament, during which they experienced alternating winning and losing streaks, the Gujarat Titans found their rhythm. They transformed their fortunes with a roaring second half, embarking on an impressive five-match winning streak before eventually dropping a single game. This surge in form propelled them to finish second on the points table, surpassing their previous year’s performance.
Key Pillars of GT’s Success
The consistent success of the Gujarat Titans can be attributed to several critical factors, both on and off the field. A significant contributor to their formidable batting lineup has been the opening partnership of skipper Shubman Gill and the elegant southpaw Sai Sudharsan. This dynamic duo has consistently shouldered the bulk of the team’s run-scoring responsibilities, providing solid foundations for their innings. Complementing their efforts at number three, Jos Buttler has also played a pivotal role, adding firepower and stability to the top order.
Beyond the batting prowess, the team’s bowling unit has been equally instrumental. While the Gujarat Titans have occasionally faced criticism for adopting a
