Jos Buttler reveals frightening safety scare after IPL 2026 final loss

Gujarat Titans' star wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has revealed details of a frightening safety scare involving the team's players and support staff after their IPL 2026 final defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.

The incident occurred while the Gujarat Titans contingent was returning to the team hotel following the five-wicket loss in Ahmedabad on Sunday night. A short circuit reportedly caused smoke to spread inside the team bus, forcing players and support staff to evacuate the vehicle and wait by the roadside before an alternative bus was arranged. Fortunately, all members of the squad and support staff were safe and unharmed.

The unexpected incident added to what was already a disappointing night for Gujarat Titans, who fell short in their bid to win a second IPL title.

Recalling the episode, Buttler said the events on the journey back perfectly summed up GT's frustrating night. "Always going to be a winner and a loser, so someone has to be the loser. But unfortunately it was us and our night was sort of summed up by two in the morning on the bus home. The boys at the back had started smelling smoke and we all got off the bus and stood by the side of the road. Well, I'm sure the RCB party was in full flow. Our bus was going up in smoke along with our not what you need. Our dreams of winning the title. So disappointing and it'll take a while to get over it, to be honest," Buttler said.

Gujarat Titans, who finished second on the points table, had bounced back strongly after losing Qualifier 1 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. They defeated Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 to reach their third IPL final in five seasons. However, the 2022 champions were unable to overcome RCB in the title clash as the defending champions successfully chased down the target to retain the trophy.

Following the defeat, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill admitted his side failed to post a competitive total in the summit clash. "If we'd have gotten 180-190, it'd have been a good match. Maybe a little two-paced but not too much. There's some early movement for pacers. We lost early wickets and never got momentum. We felt we'll be in the game if we took 1-2 wickets in the powerplay," Gill said after the match.

For Gujarat Titans, the defeat marked a painful end to an otherwise impressive campaign, while the bizarre bus breakdown ensured their disappointing night lingered long after the final ball had been bowled.