India, May 26 -- RCB's Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans had already moved into extreme territory before Sai Sudharsan walked out. Bengaluru had put 254/5 on the board, turning a playoff chase into a test of nerve, method and absurd batting range. GT did not need a cameo. They needed structure. They needed someone to keep the innings alive long enough for the asking rate to remain within reach.

That made Sudharsan's wicket more than an early blow. It removed the one batter Gujarat would have trusted most to give the chase a spine.

Sai Sudharsan had been GT's most reliable top-order force through the season. He was not just a run-scorer in their campaign, but the batter who gave their innings shape. In a chase of 255, that role became e...