Gill’s Brilliant Century Powers Gujarat Titans into IPL 2026 Final with Record Chase Against Rajasthan Royals

New Chandigarh, May 2026 : Gujarat Titans stormed into the final of IPL 2026 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, thanks to a magnificent century by captain Shubman Gill and a record-breaking opening stand with B. Sai Sudharsan. Chasing a challenging target of 215, Gujarat reached 219/3 in just 18.4 overs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, sealing their place in the title clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The victory marked Gujarat Titans’ highest successful run chase in IPL history and earned them a third appearance in an IPL final. The summit clash will now see the league’s top two teams face off once again after their earlier meeting in Qualifier 1.

Leading from the front, Gill produced one of the finest knocks of the season, smashing 104 runs off just 53 deliveries. His innings was decorated with 15 boundaries and three sixes and came at a remarkable strike rate of nearly 200. The Gujarat skipper looked in complete control throughout the chase, displaying a perfect blend of elegance and aggression while finding gaps with ease and punishing anything loose from the Rajasthan bowlers.

Gill found an ideal partner in Sai Sudharsan, who continued his outstanding season with a brisk 58 off 32 balls. Together, the pair stitched a massive 167-run opening partnership that effectively took the game away from Rajasthan. Their stand laid the perfect foundation for the chase and ensured the required run rate never became a concern.

Gujarat’s intent was evident from the outset. Gill and Sudharsan attacked Rajasthan’s pace spearhead Jofra Archer early, collecting 19 runs from one over and immediately putting pressure on the bowling side. The duo continued to dominate, capitalising on every scoring opportunity and playing a range of fluent strokes around the ground.

By the end of the powerplay, Gujarat had raced to 69 without loss, placing themselves firmly in control. Gill reached his half-century in just 30 balls, while Sudharsan completed his fifty in 26 deliveries. The pair’s effortless strokeplay and intelligent running between the wickets kept Rajasthan’s bowlers under relentless pressure.

Sudharsan’s innings came to an unfortunate end in unusual fashion when he was dismissed hit wicket, marking the second consecutive match in which he suffered the same dismissal. However, by then the damage had already been done, with Gujarat firmly in command.

Gill continued his masterclass and brought up his fifth IPL century with a stylish lofted drive over extra cover. The skipper celebrated with his trademark bow, acknowledging a memorable innings that all but sealed Gujarat’s place in the final.

Although Gill eventually fell lbw to Archer after completing his century, Gujarat required only a handful of runs at that stage. Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar ensured there were no late hiccups. Sundar played a useful cameo, striking a six and a boundary before being dismissed for 16.

Rahul Tewatia then provided the finishing touches. The left-hander struck consecutive boundaries before sealing the victory in emphatic fashion with a towering straight six, sparking celebrations in the Gujarat camp.

Earlier, Rajasthan Royals had posted a competitive 214/6 after being powered by teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dazzling 96 and an unbeaten 45 from Ravindra Jadeja. Donovan Ferreira’s late blitz also helped Rajasthan cross the 200-run mark. However, despite setting a formidable target, their bowlers found no answer to Gujarat’s relentless batting display.

With this comprehensive win, Gujarat Titans have once again underlined their credentials as one of the most consistent teams in the tournament. They will now head to Ahmedabad full of confidence as they prepare for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Brief Scores:
Rajasthan Royals: 214/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Ravindra Jadeja 45 not out; Jason Holder 2/27, Kagiso Rabada 2/45)
Gujarat Titans: 219/3 in 18.4 overs (Shubman Gill 104, B. Sai Sudharsan 58)
Result: Gujarat Titans won by 7 wickets.