Sanjay Manjrekar’s praise for GT owners comes with direct swipe at Ambanis & MI – Sanjay Manjrekar Praises Gujarat Titans Management, Takes Dig at MI Owners
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A New Standard in IPL Management
In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, the difference between a championship-winning culture and a chaotic one often lies in the boardroom. Recently, former India batter and cricket analyst Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the Gujarat Titans (GT) as a shining example of how a franchise should operate. According to Manjrekar, the success of the Titans is not just down to their on-field prowess, but to an ownership structure that prioritizes professional management over public posturing.
The Titans’ Consistent Excellence
Since their inception in 2022, the Gujarat Titans have been nothing short of a revelation. Achieving playoff status in four of their five seasons, including a maiden title in their debut year, the franchise has proven that strategic stability pays off. Even a recent ownership transition, where the Torrent Group acquired a majority stake from CVC Capital, failed to disrupt their momentum. In the 2026 IPL season, after a modest start, the team displayed remarkable resilience, culminating in a second-place finish on the league table.
The team’s consistency has been anchored by the prolific top-order trio of skipper Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler. While critics have often labeled their batting approach as ‘slow and conventional,’ the results are undeniable. Complementing the batting unit, the pace battery led by Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder has provided crucial breakthroughs, while Rashid Khan, despite recent struggles, remains a vital cog in their spin attack.
Manjrekar’s Critique of ‘In-Your-Face’ Ownership
Speaking to Sportstar, Manjrekar pointed to the quiet efficiency of the Titans’ hierarchy. He praised the owners for maintaining a low profile and empowering Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki to oversee operations. ‘It is actually a remarkable story because it is a new franchise, and it is not a franchise where you see the owners sitting on the sofas; they are not in your face as such,’ Manjrekar remarked.
He further added, ‘Nobody knows the owners. The person handling the operations is a former England cricketer with a corporate background. So, it is a very interesting franchise, and their performances have been brilliant. Somewhere, Ashish Nehra, who has been the constant, should take a lot of pride in that.’
This observation is widely interpreted as a direct critique of the Mumbai Indians, specifically Nita and Akash Ambani. The Ambani family has become a focal point of discussion this season due to their practice of sitting on specialized sofas near the boundary ropes during matches—a move that has drawn scrutiny given previous BCCI regulations regarding owner-player interactions during games.
Looking Ahead to the Playoffs
The contrast in management styles provides a fascinating backdrop to the upcoming IPL 2026 playoffs. The Gujarat Titans, having secured their spot, are now preparing for a high-stakes encounter in Dharamsala. They are set to face the table-toppers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in Qualifier 1. The significance of this match cannot be overstated; the winner will punch a direct ticket to the final in Ahmedabad, while the loser will head to Mullanpur for a second chance in the second qualifier.
As the business end of the tournament approaches, the Titans’ disciplined, business-like approach will be tested against the might of Bengaluru. Whether or not their strategy of quiet leadership translates into another trophy remains to be seen, but for now, they have certainly set a blueprint that many other franchises might do well to observe.
Why Culture Matters in the IPL
The IPL is often characterized by its glitz and glamour, but as Manjrekar’s comments suggest, longevity is built on professional foundations. By allowing a cricket expert like Vikram Solanki and a tactical mastermind like Ashish Nehra to run the show without constant interference, the Gujarat Titans have created a safe space for players to perform. This culture of trust and non-interference is perhaps the secret sauce that differentiates the Titans from franchises that are perpetually mired in controversy or internal discord.
As the league continues to evolve, the debate surrounding the role of owners in the dugout will likely intensify. However, for those who value the sanctity of the game and the importance of professional management, the Gujarat Titans stand as a beacon of modern, effective cricket administration.
