One Step From Glory: Shubman Gill’s Century Fires Gujarat Titans Into IPL Final

Picture Credit: BCCI

Gujarat Titans secured a place in the IPL 2026 final after captain Shubman Gill produced a breathtaking century to guide his side to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.

The win marked the Gujarat Titans’ third appearance in an IPL final.

The franchise lifted its maiden title in 2022 after defeating the Rajasthan Royals and finished as runners-up the following season after losing to the Chennai Super Kings.

GT will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, with both teams aiming to capture their second IPL trophy.

The Rajasthan Royals opted to bat first but suffered an early setback. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel departed with only nine runs on the scoreboard.

Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi then rescued the innings with another remarkable performance. The 15-year-old opener played a fearless knock of 96 from 47 deliveries, smashing seven sixes and eight boundaries.

Ravindra Jadeja supported him brilliantly with an unbeaten 45 off 35 balls, while Donovan Ferreira delivered a late assault by hammering 38 not out from only 11 deliveries. Their efforts helped Rajasthan Royals post a challenging total of 214/6 in 20 overs.

For the Gujarat Titans, Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets each. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with one wicket apiece.

Gujarat Titans responded aggressively in the chase as Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitched together a massive 167-run opening partnership.

Sudharsan played an attacking innings of 58 from 32 balls, striking eight fours and one six before departing.

Gill continued his superb form and dismantled the Rajasthan bowling attack with elegant strokeplay all around the ground.

The GT skipper slammed 104 from just 53 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.

Washington Sundar added a quick 16, while Rahul Tewatia remained unbeaten on 17 to complete the chase in only 18.4 overs.

Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger and Brijesh Sharma claimed one wicket apiece for the Rajasthan Royals. Gujarat, however, still secured a place in the final.

Also Read: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 96 Powers Rajasthan Royals To 214/6 Against Gujarat Titans

Bishal Singh