New Chandigarh: Gujarat Titans produced a commanding batting performance to enter the IPL 2026 final, defeating Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday.
Chasing a challenging target of 215, Gujarat reached 219 for 3 in just 18.4 overs, riding on a brilliant century from captain Shubman Gill and a fluent half century from Sai Sudharsan. With this win, Gujarat booked a final date with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who had already secured their place after beating GT in Qualifier 1.
Gill led from the front with a match winning 104 off 53 balls, striking 15 fours and 3 sixes. His innings combined control, timing and aggression, ensuring Gujarat never allowed the asking rate to create serious pressure. Sai Sudharsan gave him excellent support at the top, scoring 58 off 32 balls before being dismissed hit wicket.
The Gill and Sudharsan opening stand gave Gujarat the perfect platform in a high pressure chase. Even after both set batters departed, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia ensured there was no late twist. Gujarat completed the chase with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals posted 214 for 6 after opting to bat. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again stood out with a superb 96 off 47 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten on 45, while Donovan Ferreira added a late burst with 38 not out from just 11 balls. Despite the strong total, Rajasthan could not defend it against a clinical Gujarat batting line up.
For Gujarat Titans, this will be their third IPL final in five seasons. The franchise had earlier reached the final in 2022 and 2023 under Hardik Pandya. They won the title in 2022 by defeating Rajasthan Royals, but lost the 2023 final to Chennai Super Kings.
The IPL 2026 final will be played on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It will be the first time Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru meet in an IPL final. The two teams have faced each other three times this season so far, with RCB winning twice and Gujarat winning once.
The final now promises a fascinating contest between RCB’s strong momentum and Gujarat’s confidence after a successful knockout chase.