Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja sparked concern among fans after leaving the field midway through the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match against Gujarat Titans at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh on Friday.
Jadeja was batting fluently on 34 off just 19 deliveries when he walked off after the eighth over during Rajasthan Royals’ innings. According to Cricbuzz, the veteran all-rounder was dealing with an elbow issue. During breaks in play, Jadeja was seen with heavy taping around his arm, raising fears over his fitness in the crucial knockout encounter.
However, the experienced left-hander returned to the crease in the 13th over with Rajasthan Royals under pressure after losing five wickets. His comeback provided a major boost to the side in a must-win game that would decide the second finalist of IPL 2026.
Rajasthan Royals Opt To Bat First In High-Stakes Clash
An unchanged Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bat first against Gujarat Titans in the Qualifier 2 encounter.
There was a brief moment of confusion during the toss ceremony as match referee Prakash Bhatt asked for a re-spin because RR captain Riyan Parag’s call was not loud enough.
The winner of the match will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Rajasthan Royals entered the contest after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive innings. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, were looking to bounce back after suffering a heavy 92-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala.
Riyan Parag Backs Royals’ Bowling Combination
After winning the toss, Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag explained the decision to 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, and the best team will win. The support staff have been incredible about recoveries and injuries,” Parag said.
Shubman Gill Confirms Gujarat Titans Change
Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill revealed that left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore returned to the playing XI in place of Kulwant Khejroliya.
“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,” Gill said.