Gujarat Titans stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League 2026 after defeating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 at Mullanpur on Friday.
Led by a sensational century from captain Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans chased down a massive target of 215 with remarkable ease to set up a title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Gill produced one of the finest innings of the season, smashing 104 runs off just 53 balls with 15 fours and three sixes. He received excellent support from Sai Sudharsan, who hammered 58 off 32 deliveries as the pair added a match-defining 167-run opening partnership.
Shubman Gill Leads Gujarat Titans’ Stunning Chase
Chasing 215 in a high-pressure knockout game, Gujarat Titans got off to a dream start thanks to their opening duo.
Gill looked in complete control from the beginning, piercing gaps with elegant drives and punishing anything loose from the Rajasthan Royals bowlers. Sai Sudharsan matched the aggression at the other end, ensuring the required run rate never became a concern.
The partnership completely shifted momentum away from Rajasthan Royals, who struggled to break through despite trying multiple bowling options.
Gill reached his century in style, continuing his outstanding IPL 2026 season with another captain’s knock on the big stage.
The Titans eventually completed the chase comfortably with seven wickets in hand to seal their place in the final.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s Record-Breaking Knock Goes In Vain
Earlier in the evening, teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi delivered another extraordinary innings for Rajasthan Royals.
The youngster smashed 96 runs off just 47 balls and narrowly missed out on a memorable century in Qualifier 2.
Despite the defeat, Sooryavanshi rewrote IPL history with multiple records during his innings.
Fastest Batter To 1,000 IPL Runs
The teenager became the fastest batter to reach 1,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced.
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 440 balls
- Andre Russell: 545 balls
The achievement underlined the fearless approach that has made Sooryavanshi one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026.
Powerplay Record
Sooryavanshi also became the first batter in IPL history to score 500 runs in the Powerplay during a single season.
His aggressive strokeplay once again gave Rajasthan Royals a powerful start after captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bat first.
Rajasthan Royals Post 214/6
Powered by Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings, Rajasthan Royals posted a massive total of 214 for 6 in their 20 overs.
While RR looked set for an even bigger score at one stage, Gujarat Titans managed to pull things back slightly in the middle and death overs.
Top Performers For Rajasthan Royals
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi – 96 (47)
- Riyan Parag – crucial contribution in middle overs
Top Bowlers For Gujarat Titans
- Jason Holder – 2 wickets
- Kagiso Rabada – 2 wickets
Holder and Rabada struck at important moments to prevent Rajasthan Royals from crossing the 230-run mark.
Gujarat Titans To Face RCB In IPL 2026 Final
With the win, Gujarat Titans advanced to the IPL 2026 final, where they will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in what promises to be a blockbuster title clash.
RCB had earlier booked their place in the final after defeating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, making Sunday’s encounter a highly anticipated rematch.
The final will now feature two of the tournament’s strongest batting line-ups, with both teams entering the contest in strong form.