Gujarat Titans advanced to the IPL 2026 final after a dominant seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals. Chasing 215, captain Shubman Gill smashed a match-winning 104, while Sai Sudharsan scored 58. Earlier, 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's stunning 96 propelled Rajasthan to 214/5.
The IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 delivered everything cricket fans could have hoped for — explosive batting, breathtaking performances, and a thrilling chase. While 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi once again grabbed headlines with a stunning knock, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill stole the show with a match-winning century to guide his team into the IPL 2026 final.
Playing at Mullanpur, Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 214/5, but Gujarat Titans chased down the target in just 18.4 overs, securing a dominant seven-wicket victory. With the win, GT set up a blockbuster final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Continues Dream Run
Rajasthan Royals' biggest positive from the match was yet another remarkable innings from teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 15-year-old batter played fearlessly, smashing 96 runs off just 47 deliveries, including eight fours and seven sixes.
Vaibhav attacked the Gujarat bowlers from the outset and looked destined for a memorable century. However, his innings ended heartbreakingly in the 18th over when he was caught at third man while attempting a big shot off Kagiso Rabada.
It was the second time in the IPL 2026 playoffs that Suryavanshi fell short of a century in the nervous nineties, having scored 97 in the Eliminator.
Donovan Ferreira's Late Blitz Lifts Rajasthan
At one stage, Rajasthan Royals appeared headed for a total below 200. However, Donovan Ferreira transformed the innings with a sensational late assault.
The hard-hitting batter hammered 38 runs from just 11 balls, including four consecutive sixes in Rashid Khan's final over. His explosive cameo powered Rajasthan to an imposing total of 214 and gave the Royals hope of defending the score in this crucial knockout encounter.
Shubman Gill Leads From The Front
Facing a daunting target of 215, Gujarat Titans came out with aggressive intent. Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put Rajasthan's bowling attack under pressure from the very beginning, dominating the powerplay and maintaining control throughout the chase.
Gill produced a captain's knock of the highest quality, smashing 104 runs off just 53 balls. His innings was packed with boundaries, sixes, and fearless stroke play as he single-handedly swung the contest in Gujarat's favour.
Sai Sudharsan provided excellent support with a fluent 58 off 32 deliveries. Together, the duo stitched together a massive opening partnership that virtually sealed the result.
Rajasthan Bowlers Fail To Deliver
Despite posting 214 runs on the board, Rajasthan Royals struggled to contain Gujarat's batters. Apart from Jofra Archer, none of the bowlers managed to make a significant impact.
Fielding errors further compounded Rajasthan's problems. A crucial dropped catch of Sai Sudharsan proved costly as Gujarat capitalised on every opportunity and maintained complete control of the chase.
Gujarat Titans Set Up Final Clash With RCB
With this comprehensive victory, Gujarat Titans have booked their place in the IPL 2026 final. The team's balanced squad, strong batting lineup, and Shubman Gill's outstanding form make them serious title contenders.
For Rajasthan Royals, the defeat ends a promising campaign. However, the emergence of young star Vaibhav Suryavanshi remains one of the biggest positives of the season and a bright sign for the future of Indian cricket.
