In Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered an emphatic performance to defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. RR won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a formidable total of 214/6. In response, GT found their rhythm quickly and chased down the target within 18.4 overs. With this spectacular win, GT secured a place in the IPL final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), scheduled for 31 May in Ahmedabad.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s incredible innings
The key contributor to RR’s innings was teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who stayed at the crease for 17.2 overs and amassed 96 runs off 47 balls, including 8 fours and 7 sixes, at an impressive strike rate of 204.26. The prodigy took on the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder, consistently finding the boundary against GT’s fierce bowling attack. Ultimately, he was dismissed by Rabada, falling just four runs short of a century.
Ravindra Jadeja thrives despite injury
Ravindra Jadeja displayed exceptional grit and commitment as he refused to let a tennis elbow injury derail RR’s hopes of qualifying for the final. Despite being in visible discomfort, he contributed a valuable 45 runs off 35 balls at a strike rate of 128.57. He was eventually forced to retire hurt due to severe pain. Throughout his innings, Jadeja was seen battling through discomfort and frequently reaching towards his shoulder.
Jason Holder’s impactful spell
Jason Holder played a crucial role with the ball, helping slow RR’s innings through his disciplined four-over spell. He finished with figures of 2/27 at an economy rate of 6.75. Holder dismissed RR captain Riyan Parag for 11 runs and Dasun Shanaka for 3 runs. His clever variations and changes of pace proved vital in restricting the scoring rate and slowing RR’s momentum.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan’s dominant opening partnership
GT openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan dismantled RR’s 215-run target with a commanding opening partnership. Sudharsan’s fearless stroke play early on pushed RR’s bowlers onto the defensive, while Gill’s composed aggression gave GT complete control of the chase. Gill delivered a brilliant captain’s knock, scoring 104 runs off 53 balls at a strike rate of 196.23. His innings included 15 fours and 3 sixes before he was trapped LBW by Jofra Archer.
Sai’s hit-wicket déjà vu
Despite scoring a brilliant 58 off 32 balls, Sudharsan suffered another unfortunate hit-wicket dismissal. This marked the second consecutive playoff match — and the third occasion overall in his career — in which he was dismissed in that manner. Here, he was dismissed off a Brijesh Sharma’s delivery – while attempting an attacking shot, his bat slipped from his hands and dislodged the bails.
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