Picture Credit: BCCI
Gujarat Titans produced a superb all-round performance to defeat Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs in their IPL 2026 encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday.
After being sent in to bat, Gujarat’s opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan dominated from the beginning on a pitch that favoured stroke play. Both batters attacked confidently and denied Rajasthan’s bowlers any opportunity to settle into rhythm.
Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande struggled to contain the scoring as Gujarat capitalised on loose deliveries throughout the powerplay. Sudharsan impressed with fluent strokes square of the wicket, while Gill mixed composure with aggressive shot-making.
The opening stand ensured Gujarat maintained complete control of the innings. Even after Sudharsan departed for a well-made 55, the visitors continued to accelerate and comfortably moved beyond the 225-run mark.
Gill anchored the innings brilliantly with a sparkling 84 from just 44 balls, including nine boundaries and three sixes.
Rajasthan Royals responded positively despite the daunting target and attacked aggressively during the early stages of the chase. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entertained the home crowd with a fearless innings of 36 from 16 deliveries.
Dhruv Jurel also counterattacked effectively and shifted momentum briefly with an explosive over against Mohammed Siraj. Rajasthan reached 78/3 at the end of six overs and remained in contention despite losing early wickets.
Gujarat regained control once their spinners entered the attack. Sai Kishore slowed the scoring before Rashid Khan produced a decisive spell that transformed the contest completely.
The leg-spinner removed the dangerous Jurel with a deceptive googly before dismissing Donovan Ferreira soon afterwards. Rashid continued his dominance by bowling Shubham Dubey and later trapping Ravindra Jadeja lbw to complete an outstanding four-wicket haul.
Jadeja attempted to revive Rajasthan’s innings with a fighting 38 from 25 balls, but the required rate continued to rise sharply as wickets fell regularly.
Jason Holder wrapped up the innings efficiently by dismissing Jofra Archer, Dasun Shanaka and Tushar Deshpande as the Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs.
The emphatic victory significantly boosted the Gujarat Titans’ net run rate. The result also strengthened the team’s chances of securing a place in the IPL playoffs.
Brief Scores
Gujarat Titans 229/4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 84, Sai Sudharsan 55; Ravindra Jadeja 1/34) beat Rajasthan Royals 152 all out in 16.3 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 38, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 36; Rashid Khan 4/33, Jason Holder 3/12) by 77 runs.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Gill, Sudharsan Power Gujarat Titans To 229/4 Against RR
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