Gujarat Titans secure summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Gujarat Titans booked their spot in the IPL 2026 final on Friday after a commanding seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at Mullanpur. Driven by a sensational century from captain Shubman Gill, the 2022 champions successfully chased a steep target of 215 runs with eight balls remaining. This clinical batting display ensures their third final appearance in five seasons, creating an eager anticipation among cricket fans across India, including a fast-growing base of IPL enthusiasts in Odisha where local academies closely track such high-stakes fixtures for technical analysis.
Gill and Sudharsan Stun Rajasthan Bowlers
Chasing 215, Gujarat openers laid a flawless foundation with a blistering 167-run partnership off just 77 deliveries. Gill looked in sublime touch, executing pristine cricketing shots and punishing both pace and spin alike. He brought up his fifth IPL hundred in just 47 balls, eventually departing for 104 off 53 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries and three hits over the rope.
Left-handed partner Sai Sudharsan provided excellent support from the other end, cruising to 58 off 32 balls before a bizarre incident saw him get hit wicket for the second consecutive match. Despite losing late wickets, Rahul Tewatia and Jos Buttler calmly navigated the remaining runs to cross the finish line in 18.4 overs.
Teen Prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shines Early
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals recovered from a disastrous start of nine runs for the loss of two wickets, thanks to a remarkable display by 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenage sensation adjusted remarkably well to a challenging surface, mixing early caution with explosive power. He smashed seven sixes and eight boundaries to score 96 runs off 47 deliveries before falling just short of a well-deserved century when he was caught at third man off Kagiso Rabada.
A late-innings burst from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed an unbeaten 38 off a mere 11 balls, alongside Ravindra Jadeja's steady 45, pushed the Rajasthan total to 214 for six. Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder claimed two wickets each for Gujarat, helping to contain the damage before the batters took control.
Setting the Stage for the Title Clash
This victory sets up an encounter between Gujarat Titans and defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The high-profile title match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
Gill - captains knock
