GT vs RR, Qualifier 2 Highlights: Gill Century Powers Gujarat Into IPL 2026 Final Despite Sooryavanshi Heroics

The stage is now set for the IPL 2026 final.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, the top two teams from the league stage, will meet in Ahmedabad on Sunday with the trophy on the line.

GT arrive after completing the highest successful chase in IPL playoff history. RCB, meanwhile, earned a direct route to the final after posting the highest team total (254/5) in IPL playoff history against the Titans in Qualifier 1. 

Both sides have been among the most consistent teams of the season and now stand one win away from the championship. 

That's all from Qualifier 2. Join us on Sunday for the IPL 2026 final as the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans. Until then, goodbye and goodnight.

Gujarat Titans captain and Player of the Match, Shubman Gill, brushed aside the toss confusion and focused on the result after guiding his side into the IPL 2026 final with a magnificent century.

"There was some confusion there, but happy to get a win."

Gill credited his successful opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan to the understanding the pair have developed over the past two seasons.

"I think we complement each other very well. We understand each other's game very well. And when we are batting out there, our communication is very good. We know one of us has to take down one of the bowlers. And I think we are very good in deciding who's going to take down what bowler."

The GT skipper also joked about Sudharsan's unusual dismissal after the opener was out hit-wicket for the second consecutive match.

"I don't think I've ever seen anything. No one's seen anything like that, two matches, back to back in a row. The way he got out. I saw some video on social media that taping his hand, I think I'm going to have to do that in the next match."

Reflecting on his century, Gill said he was focused on finding gaps rather than forcing the pace.

"I think it's all about, I was in kind of a zone where I was only looking at the gaps and looking at the bowlers and looking at where I want to hit the ball. I wasn't looking to hit the ball too hard. It was just about see the ball land, see my zones and try to adjust there."

When told it looked like he was batting as if there were no fielders, Gill replied:

"That's what happens when you're batting well. You just see the gaps and you middle everything. I'm very fortunate, you know, we got a target of 220. At one point it looked like we were gonna restrict them around 180-190, but we got a total and once we got off to a start, we spoke about, I actually wanted to finish the game, quite sad how I got out."

Gill also highlighted the balance within the GT squad, pointing to the team's depth with both bat and ball.

"We're very fortunate, some really great bowlers, and Sai didn't even get to bowl one, which happens because I think we have about 6-7 bowling options. And we also bat quite deep. So I think now it's all about clicking in the final."

Looking ahead to Sunday's title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad, Gill insisted Gujarat would approach it like any other game.

"The feeling is definitely good. It's one day turnaround, so quick turnaround. So hopefully we all learn and recover tomorrow and then day after go there, see how the wicket is, and then just play another match of cricket. If you don't play the occasion, it kind of brings the best out of us. That's what we spoke about even in this game as well, let's take the equation out of the game and let's just try to play a good game of cricket. And as long as we do that, even if we don't end up on the winning side, that's fine."

Gujarat Titans' chase of 215 against Rajasthan Royals was not just match-winning, it was record-breaking, setting a new IPL benchmark for highest successful chase in a playoff game.

Sai Sudharsan played a key role in Gujarat Titans' successful chase with 58 from 32 balls, but his innings ended in unusual fashion when he was dismissed hit-wicket for the second consecutive match.

The opener saw the funny side of the dismissal after the game, when Ravi Shashtri joked about it.

"Seriously the bat just bounced and hit the wicket, but this time around I wanted to hit the stumps directly," Sudharsan said with a laugh.

Sudharsan also revealed that GT's approach during the chase was to stay focused on each ball rather than the target itself.

"I think the plan was very clear to go after the bowling from the first ball. Honestly we didn't think of the target, we were clear ball by ball to bat according to the situation. I and Gill understand the situation very well and he did play very well today."

Reflecting on his season, Sudharsan said he has worked hard on improving his game and believes that progress has shown during IPL 2026.

"My batting has definitely evolved over the years, this year I had many points to correct and I have done that."

With Gujarat Titans now through to the final, the opener said the team is treating the title clash like any other match.

"The whole dug-out is very happy with the final. We think the finals as just another game to take off the pressure."

He ended with another joke about his dismissal, when advised about the same by Shashtri.

"Definitely I will take another two pairs of gloves that stick." 

Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag felt his side finished with a competitive total but admitted they needed early wickets to put Gujarat Titans under pressure.

"It was a par score; it was defendable. I felt after the heavy roller, it got better in the 2nd innings. In the first innings, the bowlers got some grip, and the slower ones did well. I thought 230 would have been a par score. A score around 240 would have been challenging, but we needed the openers early. It didn't happen, which became tough for us," Parag said after the defeat.

Looking back on RR's campaign, the skipper highlighted the progress made by a young squad that exceeded expectations to reach the playoffs.

"To sum it up in one sentence, there were many positives. We weren't supposed to qualify, given that many players were young and inexperienced, but many youngsters performed well and can only improve from here."

Parag also reserved special praise for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose 96 kept RR in the contest and capped a breakthrough season for the teenager.

"I can't put it into words, there's one way where you slog and score many runs. But he doesn't slog, you could see his innings today - he calculates and plays his shots. I can't say how, but hopefully he will go on to do well in his career, do well for the Rajasthan Royals and win us a second title."

Gujarat Titans book their place in the IPL 2026 final with a commanding chase of 215, ending Rajasthan Royals' impressive campaign in Mullanpur.

Much of the spotlight before the match had been on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, and the 15-year-old once again delivered with a superb 96 to help RR post 214/6. However, Gujarat's opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan produced an even stronger response.

The duo put on a record-breaking opening stand, taking control of the chase from the outset. Sudharsan contributed 58 before Shubman Gill carried on, bringing up a magnificent century and anchoring the innings deep into the chase.

With Gill and Sudharsan once again setting the platform, GT chased down the target with room to spare to secure a place in the final.

The Titans will now head to Ahmedabad for a title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, looking to avenge their Qualifier 1 defeat and deny the defending champions back-to-back titles. 

Gujarat Titans are through to the IPL 2026 final.

Rahul Tewatia puts the finishing touches on a dominant chase, pulling Brijesh Sharma for FOUR on the 1st delivery before lifting the next ball over extra cover for back-to-back FOURs to leave GT within touching distance of victory.

The left-hander then seals the result in style, launching a SIX over long-on to book GT's spot in the finals.

GT 219/3 in 18.4 overs 

Nandre Burger ends Washington Sundar's brisk cameo, but GT remain firmly in control.

The left-hander looks to take on a slower delivery on the 1st ball but fails to get the timing, with Donovan Ferreira holding a comfortable catch at long-on. 

WICKET! Washington Sundar c Donovan Ferreira b Nandre Burger 16 (9)

Rahul Tewatia arrives at the crease and is largely kept quiet by Burger, who mixes his pace well and concedes just a 4 runs after getting the breakthrough.

Gujarat are just 10 runs away from the IPL 2026 finals. 

GT 205/3 after 18 overs.

Washington Sundar takes on Archer this time as Titans close in on the IPL 2026 final.

After Jos Buttler takes a single off the opening delivery, Sundar takes charge against Archer. The left-hander first lofts a fuller delivery over extra cover for FOUR before following it up with an even bigger hit straight down the ground for SIX.

Archer ends the over with a sharp bouncer to Buttler who sways out of the way.

12 runs come off the over, with 14 needed of 18 balls to win. 

GT 201/2 after 17 overs.

Tushar Deshpande nearly delivers a tidy over at a crucial stage of the chase, but Washington Sundar ensures Gujarat Titans maintain control.

With Jos Buttler and Sundar limited largely to singles and dot balls, RR briefly manage to slow the scoring rate. However, Sundar has the final say, capitalising on a full delivery in the slot and whipping it over deep mid-wicket for a one-bounce FOUR.

GT now need just 26 runs off 24 balls to win. 

GT 189/2 after 16 overs.

Jofra Archer finally gives Rajasthan a breakthrough, but Gujarat remain firmly in charge of the chase.

Fresh from becoming the first batter to score multiple centuries in IPL playoff matches, Shubman Gill's outstanding innings comes to an end on 104. Archer attacks the stumps with a full delivery, and Gill's attempt to whip across the line fails as he gets hit on the pads.

WICKET! Shubman Gill lbw Jofra Archer 104 (53)

The dismissal ends a superb knock featuring 15 fours and three sixes, one that has put GT within touching distance of the IPL 2026 final.

Jos Buttler remains at the crease with 33 runs needed off 30 balls. 

GT 182/2 after 15 overs.

Shubman Gill reaches a magnificent century and moves Gujarat Titans closer to the IPL 2026 final.

The GT captain has looked in complete control throughout the chase and brings up three figures in style. Gill skips down the track to Ravindra Jadeja, creates room and lofts the ball over extra cover for FOUR to reach his hundred.

The milestone is greeted by a warm reception from the Mullanpur crowd as Gill removes his helmet, acknowledges the applause and celebrates with his trademark bow.

With Jos Buttler settling in at the other end, Gujarat remain firmly on course in the chase with the required rate now down to 6.16.

GT 178/1 after 14 overs.

Rajasthan Royals finally get the breakthrough, but in the most extraordinary fashion.

Sai Sudharsan looks set for another match-defining innings after powering his way to 58 and helping Gujarat put together a record 160-run partnership in the IPL playoffs. However, the left-hander's knock ends in bizarre circumstances.

Attempting to guide a low full toss behind square on the off side, Sudharsan loses control of his bat, which flies backwards and crashes into the stumps. The boundary still counts, but so does the dismissal. Remarkably, it is the second consecutive match in which Sudharsan has been dismissed hit-wicket and the reaction of his captain at the other end tells a story, with Gill down on all fours after witnessing that. 

Sai Sudharsan hit wkt b Brijesh Sharma 58 (32)

Jos Buttler walks out to join Gill and gets off the mark with 2.

GT 169/1 after 13 overs.

Shubman Gill continues to dictate the chase and is now within touching distance of a century.

After Sudharsan and Gill rotate the strike early in the over, the GT captain shifts gears against Nandre Burger. Gill first whips an attempted yorker over mid-wicket for FOUR before pulling a slower ball in front of square for back-to-back boundaries to close out the over.

The over also sees Gill join Sudharsan and Sooryavanshi as the third batter to cross the 700-run mark this season.

GT 156/0 after 12 overs.

Sai Sudharsan brings up another half-century as Gujarat show no signs of easing up in the chase.

The left-hander reaches the milestone in style, lifting Yash Raj Punja over deep extra cover for SIX on the 1st delivery of the over. The knock also takes Sudharsan past the 700-run mark for the season.

Shubman Gill then takes over, using his feet brilliantly against the leg-spinner to collect back-to-back FOURs and keep the scoreboard moving at a rapid pace.

The required run rate has now come down to 7.88. 

GT 144/0 after 11 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja enters the attack, but Shubman Gill is in no mood to slow down.

After the left-armer begins with a single to Sudharsan, Gill launches a counterattack, dancing down the track to clear long-on for SIX before helping another delivery over long leg for a second maximum on the 5th delivery.

The GT captain then caps off a dominant over with a FOUR through cover as Gujarat continue to score at well above the required rate. 19 runs come off the over. 

GT 127/0 after 10 overs.

Tushar Deshpande returns to the attack. Sudharsan clips the 1st delivery to deep square leg for a single. 

Deshpande then bangs it short to Gill but doesn't get any height on the delivery as Gill pulls it over square leg for SIX. 

Both batters grab singles off the next two balls to bring up their 8th 100-run partnership in the IPL. Gill celebrates the landmark by making room and slapping the 5th delivery past mid-off for FOUR to bring up his FIFTY! 

That's the GT captain's seventh fifty of the season and he isn't done yet as he closes out the over with a fierce cut for back-to-back FOURs. 17 runs come off the over. 

GT need 107 from 66 balls to win. 

GT 108/0 after 9 overs. 

Rajasthan Royals turn to spin, but Sai Sudharsan quickly takes on the challenge.

Yash Raj Punja is introduced into the attack and the left-hander immediately targets anything short. Sudharsan strikes back-to-back FOURs through the off side, using the pace and width on offer to keep Gujarat Titans firmly in control of the chase.

Shubman Gill slaps the 5th delivery past point for 2 runs as GT take 12 runs off the over. 

GT 91/0 after 8 overs.

Brijesh delivers another tidy over. 

The RR pacer starts off with a full length delivery to Gill who leans forward and drives it beautifully past long-off for FOUR. Brijesh corrects his length as he bangs the next ball short to the GT skipper who lets it sail to the keeper. 

Brijesh gives away just singles off the next two balls before banging it short again but it's too high and called a wide. Gill drives the next ball to long-off and they come back for two but the Umpire signals for one short as Sudharshan doesn't cross the crease at the striker's end. 

Just 10 runs come off the over. 

RR 79/0 after 7 overs. 

Tushar Deshpande comes into the attack for the final over of the Powerplay, but Sudharsan ensures GT keep the momentum going after a quiet over.

The left-hander first drives a full delivery through extra cover for FOUR before pulling a slower ball to the deep mid-wicket fence for back-to-back boundaries. 

Deshpande responds well to finish the over with two dot balls, but Gujarat Titans close out an excellent Powerplay with both openers still at the crease.

GT 69/0 after 6 overs.

Rajasthan Royals turn to Brijesh Sharma and the seamer responds with a disciplined first over under pressure.

After Gujarat Titans race past 50 inside four overs, Brijesh keeps both Sudharsan and Gill largely in check, mixing his pace effectively and conceding just one boundary in the over.

Gill briefly breaks the shackles with a classy drive through extra cover for FOUR on the 3rd delivery, but Brijesh does a good job of denying the GT openers easy scoring opportunities.

A tidy start from the youngster as RR continue to look for a breakthrough. Just 7 runs come off the over. 

GT 59/0 after 5 overs.

Sai Sudharsan survives an early scare in the over as he gets a thick top-edge on the pull against Nandre Burger. The ball flies miles high towards deep square leg where Ferrierra fails to read the trajectory and can't latch onto the ball despite a late dive.  

The missed chance proves costly as Sudharsan responds with a beautifully timed shot through cover for FOUR. Burger bangs the last ball short but it escapes past Gill and Jurel for FOUR byes. 11 runs come off the over. 

GT 52/0 after 4 overs.

After conceding 19 runs in the first over, Archer continues into his second. 

He starts off well with a back of length delivery to Gill who defends. Gill taps the next ball to point for a single. Archer then sends down a searing yorker to Sudharsan who just about digs it out for a single. 

Gill then takes on the pacer as he pulls the next ball powerfully for FOUR. Archer pitches it up next ball and this time Gill drives it straight past the bowler for back-to-back FOURs. 

The GT captain slashes hard at the last ball but finds the fielder at cover. 10 runs come off the over. 

GT 41/0 after 3 overs.  

Nandre Burger, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack and recovers well after a shaky start. 

He spills the 1st delivery well outside off and it escapes past Gill and Jurel behind the wicket for FIVE wides. Burger corrects his line after that delivery and gives away just 7 runs off the next six deliveries, not conceding any boundaries. 

12 runs come off the over mainly due to that expensive mistake at the start. 

GT 31/0 after 2 overs. 

Gill gets Gujarat off to a good start! 

Sai Sudharsan shows intent straight up as he cuts the 1st delivery past deep point for FOUR. He then mistimes the pull on the next ball as they get a single. 

The GT captain then takes charge as he brings out his trademark short arm jab on the first delivery he faces for FOUR. He then follows it up with a strong pull past deep square leg for back-to-back FOURs. Gill then plays a beautiful late cut to send the last ball flying past backward point for another FOUR. 

Just the start Gujarat wanted with 19 runs coming off the first over. 

RR 19/0 after the first over. 

Gujarat Titans are ready to begin their pursuit of 215, with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill walking out to open the innings in Mullanpur.

Rajasthan Royals have made their Impact Player move, bringing Tushar Deshpande in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal to strengthen their bowling attack.

Rajasthan Royals recovered brilliantly from an early wobble to post a formidable 214/6, leaving Gujarat Titans with a target of 215 to book their place in the IPL 2026 final.

Once again, the innings is built around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose superb 96 off 47 balls steadies RR after they lose two wickets inside the first two overs. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial supporting role with 45, helping rebuild the innings despite leaving the field for treatment and later returning to bat.

Just when GT appear to have pulled things back, Donovan Ferreira provided the late fireworks, smashing an unbeaten 38 off 11 balls, including four sixes in the final over, to propel RR beyond the 200-mark.

The Royals now turn to their bowlers, with Jofra Archer and company tasked with stopping a Gujarat batting line-up led by Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler.

Donovan Ferreira ensures Rajasthan finish with a flourish! 

Rashid Khan who conceded 18 off his first over comes back into the attack to bowl his second in the final over of the match. The results shows why Gill was reluctant to use his spinners on this surface. 

Jadeja punches the 1st ball to extra cover to bring Ferreira on strikes. The South African waits back and launches the 2nd ball high over long-on for SIX. Rashid tosses up the next ball and this time Ferreira connects with the slog-sweep to send it flying over cover for back-to-back SIXES. 

Ferreira isn't done yet as makes it a hat-trick of SIXES with a lofted drive over long-off for another maximum. Rashid tosses up the 5th ball again and this time Ferreira smashes it back to the bowler who manages to get a hand to it and keep them down to two runs. 

Ferreira then skips out and launches the last ball over extra cover for another SIX. The South African finishes with 38* off just 11 balls in what could be a game-changing innings. 

27 runs come off the over as RR make a strong finish. 

RR 214/6 after 20 overs. 

Prasidh Krishna returns to the attack for his final over. He starts off well with just a single off the first two balls. Ferreira then gets going as he drives the full delivery past cover for FOUR. 

Prasidh keeps the batters down to singles off the next two balls. Ferreira then flicks the last ball delicately past fine leg for another FOUR. 11 runs come off the over. 

RR 187/6 after 19 overs. 

Kagiso Rabada returns for his final over and lands another important blow for GT. 

The GT pacer bangs it short to Sooryavanshi on the 2nd delivery and the youngster takes the bait as he goes for an upper cut. He doesn't get enough on the shot though as Prasidh takes a safe catch at deep third man. The 15-year-old is denied another 100 at Mullanpur as he walks back on 96. However, the stadium rises to acknowledge that special knock as he walks off. 

WICKET! Vaibhav Sooryavanshi c Prasidh Krishna b Kagiso Rabada 96 (47) 

Donovan Ferreira walks out and gets off the mark with a single. Rabada concedes just 5 runs and get a wicket in the over. He signs off with 2/35 after 4 overs. 

RR 176/6 after 18 overs. 

No bowler is safe from Sooryavanshi. Washington Sundar returns to the attack after conceding just six runs from his first over and gets punished by the 15-year-old. 

Sooryavanshi welcomes him by lofting the 2nd delivery right back over Sundar's head for SIX. Sundar does well to give away just four runs off the next three balls. 

However, Sooryavanshi gets down on one knee on the final delivery and this time sends it flying over backward square leg with a slog sweep for another SIX. 

RR 171/5 after 17 overs. 

Jason Holder who has been excellent on the night with 2/11 from his first three overs comes in to finish his spell. The West Indies all-rounder though is taken to the cleaners by young Sooryavanshi. 

The 1st delivery is short outside off and Sooryavanshi cuts it past sweeper cover for FOUR. That also brings up 1000 IPL runs for the 15-year-old, making him the fastest player to get to the mark by balls faced. 

Sooryavanshi then pulls out an unbelievable shot that even draws a smile from the GT captain. Holder bangs it short outside off and somehow Sooryavanshi manages to swat it high over long-off for SIX. He then repeats the action on the next delivery this time sending it over long-off for a one-bounce FOUR. 

The youngster takes 16 runs off Holder's final over. This is a coming-of-age innings we're witnessing from the young phenomenon on what looks like a tough wicket. 

RR 154/5 after 16 overs. 

Mohammed Siraj returns to bowl his final over. He starts with a short delivery but Sooryavanshi swivels as he pulls it over fine leg for SIX. Sooryavanshi then gets a thick outside edge to deep third man and a poor overthrow from Prasidh sees them come back for two. 

Siraj dishes out a juicy full toss but Sooryavanshi drives it straight to long-off for a single. Siraj ends well with just a single coming off the last three balls. 

RR 138/5 after 15 overs. 

Kagiso Rabada returns to the attack. He starts with a full delivery that is right in the slot and gets punished by Sooryavanshi who lifts it high over long-off for SIX. 

Rabada responds with a sharp bouncer that beats Sooryavanshi for pace and hits him on the helmet. The youngster still charges across for a single before the physio comes out for a mandatory concussion check. Sooryavanshi is okay to continue as Rabada gives away just two runs off the next four balls. 

RR 129/5 after 14 overs. 

It is a mixed over for Rajasthan as Gujarat land another heavy blow.

Jofra Archer starts off brilliantly as he pulls the 3rd delivery from Prasidh Krishna over deep mid-wicket for a flat SIX. 

Prasidh strikes back immediately as he draws an outside edge from Archer on the next delivery that carries comfortably to Jos Buttler.

WICKET! Jofra Archer c Jos Buttler b Prasidh Krishna 7 (4) 

There is some good news for RR though as Ravindra Jadjea walks out to bat and Sooryavanshi gets to another half-century.

The teenager pulls the last ball for a single through mid-wicket to bring up his sixth fifty of the IPL 2026 season.

RR 120/5 after 13 overs.

Jason Holder continues to make an impact in the middle overs as Gujarat Titans chip away at Rajasthan.

After removing Riyan Parag earlier, Holder strikes again, this time to dismiss Dasun Shanaka.

The Sri Lankan all-rounder looks to pull a back-of-a-length delivery but only manages a faint glove through to Jos Buttler behind the stumps. The short ball once again does the trick for GT. 

Dasun Shanaka c Jos Buttler b Jason Holder 3 (9)

RR spring another surprise, this time sending out Jofra Archer in at No. 7. The England all-rounder survives a nervy moment on the first delivery he faces as a thick leading edge lands safely past the man at cover.

Archer then manages to get off the mark with a single. Another excellent over from Holder who has figures of 2/11 after his three overs. 

RR 111/4 after 12 overs.

Gujarat Titans put down what could be a big opportunity to remove Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.

Prasidh Krishna returns to the attack and the RR opener begins the over in style with a drive through cover for FOUR. 

DROPPED! The RR opener gets a life on the very next ball as he goes for the pull but only gets a thick top-edge that flies high towards deep square leg. Sai Sudharsan is the man there and he's a bit late to react as he puts in a late dive but doesn't manage to hold on to the ball. That could prove to be expensive for GT with Sooryavanshi now batting on 47 off 27 balls. 

109/3 after 11 overs.

Rajasthan Royals lose another key wicket as Riyan Parag departs after a brisk start.

The RR captain takes on Jason Holder as he flicks the full delivery high towards deep midwicket but only picks out Rabada who makes no mistake. 

Riyan Parag c Kagiso Rabada b Jason Holder 11 (6) 

Dasun Shanaka is the new batter at the crease and he gets off the mark with a flick through midwicket for 2 runs. Holder closes out the over well with two dots in a row to Shanaka.

Just 3 runs and a wicket come off the over. 

RR 103/3 after 10 overs.

The Royals do not let Jadeja's exit disrupt their momentum, with captain Riyan Parag walking out and immediately taking charge as Rashid Khan enters the attack. 

Parag takes on Rashid as he smashes a four and a six off the first two balls in the over The RR captain pulls the 1st delivery through midwicket for FOUR before pulling the next ball over the same region for SIX. Sooryavanshi joins the attack as he swivels to pull the next ball over square leg for SIX more. 

18 runs come off the over as RR reach the 100-run mark. 

RR 100/2 after 9 overs.

Jason Holder comes into the attack for Gujarat and Jadeja greets him with a charge down the pitch on the 2nd delivery to slice it past square for FOUR. 

There's a break in play though as Jadeja requires some medical attention with the physio out after that shot. 

Jadeja seems okay to continue but only manages a single on the 5th delivery. He then makes a tough call and walks off retired hurt at the end of the over. 

It's a big loss for RR with the experienced campaigner looking well set. 

RR 82/2 after 8 overs. 

Washington Sundar comes into the attack and makes an immediate impact.

The off-spinner concedes just six singles in his first over as Ravindra Jadeja and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi opt for rotation rather than risk against spin.

With Rajasthan picking up the scoring rate in the last few overs, Sundar has managed to reign in the pair with a tidy over. 

RR 76/2 after 7 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja is showing why the Royals promoted the experienced campaigner to no. 4 in a crunch fixture. 

The left-hander takes apart Prasidh Krishna in the final over of the Powerplay, taking 16 runs off it with a mix of controlled aggression and smart placement.

Jadeja starts the over with a thick outside edge that flies over cover for 2 runs. He then launches the 2nd delivery high over long leg for SIX before pulling the 4th ball over fine leg for FOUR.

Jadeja then finishes the over in style as he swivels to pull the short delivery past backward square leg for another FOUR. 

RR 70/2 after 6 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ensure Rajasthan don't lose any momentum despite those early breakthroughs. 

Jadeja starts off the over with a crisp drive through the off side for FOUR. He then cuts the 3rd delivery pst point to bring up the 50 for Rajasthan.

Sooryavanshi finishes the over in style, backing away to slice the last ball over point for FOUR.

There is a moment of concern for Gujarat as Siraj appears to be troubled by discomfort in his right shoulder. The physio is called out during the over, but the pacer is able to continue.

RR also lose a review after challenging a height call on a bouncer to Sooryavanshi, with ball-tracking confirming the delivery was within the legal limit.

RR 54/2 after 5 overs.

Gujarat Titans could not have asked for a better start in Qualifier 2 with Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada both striking in their opening overs. 

Watch GT get off to a dream start in Mullanpur here: 

Sooryavanshi continues to counterattack this time taking on Rabada.

Jadeja grabs a single on the first delivery to bring the youngster on strike. Sooryavanshi immediately gets to work as he carves the 1st delivery past the man at mid-off for FOUR. 

Rabada then manages to beat Sooryavanshi on the next three balls with the RR opener failing to connect with his shots.

Facing a 153 kmph final delivery, Sooryavanshi stands tall and launches it right back over the South African and into the sightscreen for a towering SIX.

RR 45/2 after 4 overs.

Rajasthan's 15-year-old prodigy takes charge in Mullanpur, playing out the entire over from Mohammed Siraj.

Sooryavanshi begins with a wild slash but is beaten by a searing short ball. He responds immediately, though, lofting the next delivery over mid-on for FOUR.

The youngster then picks up a couple of twos before Siraj loses control of a bouncer that sails over both the batter and Jos Buttler for FIVE wides.

Sooryavanshi finishes the over in style. He pulls one past fine leg for FOUR before a thick inside edge races away past square leg for another boundary.

After an early wobble, Rajasthan Royals find some momentum through their teenage opener.

RR 34/2 after 3 overs.

Gujarat Titans have the perfect start in Mullanpur, asKagiso Rabada also strikes in his first over.

Dhruv Jurel starts the over well with a slash against the short ball on the 2nd delivery for FOUR. However, Rabada has the last laugh. 

Rabada sends down a good length delivery to Jurel who goes for the drive but gets a thick leading edge that flies straight to GT captain Shubman Gill who takes a safe catch at mid-off. 

Dhruv Jurel c Shubman Gill b Kagiso Rabada 7 (6)

The Royals respond with a surprise move, promoting Ravindra Jadeja to No. 4. The left-hander makes an immediate impact as he opens his account with a smart boundary, using the pace and guiding the last ball past slip for FOUR. 

10 runs and a wicket come from the over. 

RR 13/2 after 2 overs.

Siraj draws first blood in Mullanpur! 

Both RR openers get off the mark with singles before the GT pacer strikes with his 3rd delivery. 

Siraj bangs it short to Jaiswal who is rushed into the pull as he picks out Prasidh Krishna at deep backward square leg. Prasidh takes a simple catch as Siraj gets GT off to a dream start. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal c Prasidh Krishna b Mohammed Siraj 1 (2)

Dhruv Jurel, right handed bat, walks out to the crease and gets off the mark with a single. ALMOST! Siraj bangs it short to Sooryavanshi who goes for the hook but sees the ball whizz past the edge. Buttler appeals but there's nothing in that. 

RR 3/1 after the first over. 

Gujarat Titans have gathered for a final huddle on the field as they prepare to restrict this power-packed RR batting attack. 

The RR openers Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal are also making their way to the middle as they look for another blistering start in the tournament. 

We're moments away from the first ball in Mullanpur. 

Both teams have named their Impact Player substitutes ahead of Qualifier 2.

Rajasthan Royals Impact Subs: Shubham Dubey, Sushant Mishra, Aman Rao Perala, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande.

Gujarat Titans Impact Subs: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan.
 

Qualifier 2 began with a rare moment at the toss. RR captain Riyan Parag called heads on the first flip, but match referee Prakash Bhatt indicated he had not heard the call clearly, leading to the toss being conducted again.

Parag won the re-toss and chose to bat first, handing RR the opportunity to set a target on a surface that is expected to slow down a little as the match progresses.

Riyan Parag (RR Captain): We will bat first. Pretty much the same wicket, but I think it slows down at the backend, and we have the bowlers for it. We just need to play better cricket for 40 overs, the best team will win. The support staff have been incredible about recoveries and injuries. Same team.

Shubman Gill (GT Captain): We would have batted first as well. Forty overs of cricket already on this wicket and it won't behave differently. We have everything to play for, it's a now or never situation. One change: Sai Kishore is back.
 

The team sheets are in for Qualifier 2, with Gujarat Titans opting for an extra spin option while Rajasthan Royals enter the contest unchanged from the Eliminator. 

Here's a look at the Playing XIs for both sides. 

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja
 

There's some confusion at the Toss and it has to be done twice since the match referee says the call wasn't clear at first. Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag eventually wins the toss and elects to bat first in Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur.

Stay tuned for the Captain's quotes from the Toss and the Playing XIs. 

Ian Bishop and Michael Clarke believe Qualifier 2 could produce another batting-friendly contest, with conditions in Mullanpur expected to closely resemble those seen during the Eliminator earlier this week.

In their pitch report on the broadcast, the former internationals noted that the match will be played on Pitch No. 4, which has an even grass covering but remains dry underneath. While they expect the surface to be marginally slower due to recent use, they still anticipate good pace, bounce and carry for batters.

Bishop and Clarke also pointed to a steady breeze across the ground, suggesting dew may not play as significant a role as many had expected. With square boundaries measuring 69m and 63m and the straight boundary at 74m, they felt the dimensions would continue to encourage aggressive strokeplay.

Based on the conditions, the duo estimated that a first-innings total of around 220 could be a competitive score, setting the stage for another potentially high-scoring playoff encounter.

Rajasthan Royals finisher Donovan Ferreira says his side's recent run of knockout cricket has helped players settle into a routine ahead of Qualifier 2 against Gujarat Titans.

"It's about being on autopilot now and just doing what needs to be done," Ferreira said when asked about RR's must-win run through the playoffs.

The South African also underlined his comfort with the finisher's role, saying he is prepared to bat wherever the team requires but is particularly confident operating in the closing overs.

"Personally, I'm comfortable going in after the 15th over. If I have to go in before that, I just adapt. It gives everyone time to get used to the wicket so I can explode at the back end of the game," he said.

Ferreira also expects another batting-friendly surface in Mullanpur, noting that even disciplined bowling efforts have struggled to keep scores below 200 at the venue this season.

The build-up to Qualifier 2 continues to revolve around Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, with the broadcasters sharing a video of the 15-year-old training in the nets ahead of the knockout clash. 

Qualifier 2 features two intriguing batter vs spinner contests.

Jos Buttler has found Ravindra Jadeja difficult to score against, managing just 42 runs from 36 balls while being dismissed three times across 10 innings. With GT heavily reliant on their top order, Jadeja's ability to slow down or remove Buttler could be a significant factor in tonight's contest.

At the other end, GT will back Rashid Khan to continue his strong record against Donovan Ferreira. The RR finisher has managed just 27 runs from 22 balls against Rashid across six innings and has been dismissed three times. With Ferreira tasked with accelerating in the closing overs, his duel with Rashid could have a major bearing on how Rajasthan finish their innings.

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has been turning heads ahead of Qualifier 2. The IPL have released a clip celebrating the Boy from Bihar's remarkable rise this season.

The IPL has released its cinematic preview for Qualifier 2 as anticipation builds for tonight's clash between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals.

An interesting trend has emerged in the closing stages of IPL 2026 with six of the last seven matches won by the team batting first. Both knockout fixtures saw the Captain winning the Toss opt to bowl first and lose the games. 

With scoreboard pressure set be a significant factor in Qualifier 2, Shubman Gill and Riyan Parag could both be influenced to bat first and set a big target in New Chandigarh. 

Two of IPL 2026's top wicket-takers will be in action tonight as Kagiso Rabada and Jofra Archer face-off in an intriguing Purple Cap subplot.

Rabada enters Qualifier 2 joint-top of the Purple Cap list with 26 wickets from 15 matches, while Archer has claimed 24 in the same number of games.

Both have been the standout pace bowlers for their teams this season, with Rabada striking regularly with the new ball and Archer making a habit of striking in the powerplay, cleaning up all three SRH top-order batters in the Eliminator.

A strong performance tonight could not only shape the result of the game but also swing the Purple Cap race heading into the final.

History favours GT, who dominate the head-to-head record between the two sides heading into Qualifier 2.

GT have won seven of their 10 IPL meetings against Rajasthan Royals, including a win in the IPL 2022 final to lift their maiden title.

The rivals shared the spoils during the league stage this season, with RR claiming a six-run win in Ahmedabad before GT responded with a commanding 77-run victory in Jaipur. 

Rajasthan Royals are expected to retain the XI the win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator at this same venue.

With Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in form, and the bowling attack combining well to bowl out SRH, RR are unlikely to make changes. 

Rajasthan Royals (Probable XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sushant Mishra, Brijesh Sharma.

Impact Sub: Yash Raj Punja.

Gujarat Titans may consider tweaking their bowling attack for Qualifier 2, with the used Mullanpur pitch expected to offer more assistance to spinners than a fresh surface.

Left-arm spinners Manav Suthar and R Sai Kishore are among the options to come into the XI after pacer Kulwant Khejroliya conceded 31 runs in two overs during the Qualifier 1 defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Any change would give GT additional spin support alongside Rashid Khan as they look to bounce back in a must-win clash against Rajasthan Royals.

Gujarat Titans (Probable XI): Shubman Gill (C), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Manav Suthar/R Sai Kishore, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Sub: Prasidh Krishna.

"He's one of the players who has changed the game!" AB de Villiers reserved high praise for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of Qualifier 2, highlighting the impact the Rajasthan Royals teenager has had during IPL 2026.

IPL Qualifier 2, New Chandigarh Pitch And Weather Conditions: Conditions in Mullanpur suggest runs could once again dominate proceedings. The venue has produced several high-scoring games this season, with first-innings totals regularly crossing the 200-mark. While the new ball may offer some assistance to the seamers, batting is expected to become easier as the match progresses.

Dew is also likely to influence tactics later in the evening, making the toss a significant factor. Clear skies are forecast, with temperatures expected to remain between 25°C and 30°C throughout the match.

Just two days after his 97 off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a crucial knockout Eliminator, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will once again be in the spotlight as Rajasthan Royals now face Gujarat Titans with a place in the IPL 2026 final at stake.

Rajasthan arrive with momentum after eliminating Sunrisers Hyderabad, while GT are looking to respond after a heavy defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1.

With a spot in final against RCB at stake, both sides have one last hurdle to clear in Mullanpur.