New Delhi: Gujarat Titans star wicketkeeper batsman Jose Butler has revealed details of the horrific safety scare involving the team’s players and support staff following their defeat by Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.The incident took place when the Gujarat Titans squad was returning to the team hotel after a five-wicket defeat in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. A short circuit reportedly caused smoke to spread inside the team bus, forcing players and support staff to wait on the side of the road before evacuating the vehicle and arranging for a replacement bus. Fortunately, all squad members and support staff were safe and sound.The unexpected incident added to an already disappointing night for the Gujarat Titans, who failed in their bid to win a second IPL title.Recalling the incident, Butler said the events on the return journey summed up GT’s frustrating night.“There’s always a winner and a loser, so someone has to be a loser. But unfortunately it was us and our night ended on the bus home by two in the morning. The guys in the back started smelling smoke and we all got off the bus and stood on the side of the road. Well, I’m sure our bus was full of RCB. Not what you need.Gujarat Titans, who are second on the points table, made a strong comeback after losing to Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 1. They defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 to reach their third IPL final in five seasons.However, the 2022 champions failed to overcome RCB in the title clash as the defending champions successfully chased down the target of retaining the trophy.After the defeat, Gujarat Titans captain Shibman Gill admitted that his team failed to post a competitive total in the summit clash.“If we had got 180-190, it would have been a good match. Maybe a little bit of two pace but not too much. Some early movement for the pacers. We lost early wickets and never got the momentum. We felt if we got 1-2 wickets in the powerplay we would be in the game,” Gayle said after the match.For Gujarat Titans, the defeat spelled a painful end to an otherwise impressive campaign, while a freak bus breakdown ensured their frustrating night lasted long after the final ball was bowled.
