IPL2026: Gujarat Titans Storm Into Top Two After Crushing Rajasthan Royals by 77 Runs

 

Gujarat Titans are looking unstoppable in the IPL. Shubman Gill’s side continued their dominant run with a fourth consecutive victory, brushing aside Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs in a one-sided contest. Gujarat outclassed Rajasthan in all three departments — batting, bowling and fielding — and at no stage did the hosts look capable of chasing down the target.

Rajasthan took the field in their special all-pink jersey, worn to support the empowerment of women in rural Rajasthan. The Royals had previously won both matches in this kit, but this time the lucky charm failed to work.

Batting first, Gujarat piled up a massive 229/4 in 20 overs, powered by captain Shubman Gill’s sparkling 84 off 44 balls and another classy knock from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 55 from 36 deliveries. In reply, Rajasthan collapsed for 152 in just 16.3 overs, suffering a crushing defeat.

The result lifted Gujarat from fifth to second place in the points table with 14 points from 11 matches, level with leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad but behind on net run rate. Rajasthan, meanwhile, slipped to fifth after back-to-back defeats, remaining on 12 points from 11 games.

The Royals’ troubles began right from the opening over. Jofra Archer, who had taken wickets with the first ball in three matches this season, endured a nightmare start. He conceded boundaries, bowled four wides and a no-ball, with one wide racing away for four runs. His over lasted 11 deliveries — equalling the IPL record held by Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh for the longest over by balls bowled.

With regular captain Riyan Parag unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Yashasvi Jaiswal led Rajasthan for the match. The lack of captaincy experience showed, as a few bowling and fielding changes did not work in Rajasthan’s favour.

Gill and Sudharsan took full advantage during the powerplay, smashing 82 runs in the first six overs. Their opening stand once again laid the perfect foundation for Gujarat’s imposing total. Sudharsan brought up another half-century before falling for 55, while Gill looked set for a century before being dismissed for a brilliant 84.

Although Jos Buttler failed to make an impact with the bat, Washington Sundar provided a crucial late flourish with a quickfire 37 off 20 balls. Rahul Tewatia added the finishing touches with an unbeaten 14 from just four deliveries.

Alarmingly for Rajasthan, this was the fourth consecutive match in which their bowlers conceded over 220 runs. A bowling attack that looked fearsome at the start of the tournament is now becoming a major concern, and their playoff hopes could be under threat if the trend continues.

Chasing 230, Rajasthan needed a strong start from Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Jaiswal. Vaibhav began aggressively, striking boundaries and sixes in his trademark fearless style. However, Jaiswal managed only three runs before falling to Kagiso Rabada.

Soon after, Mohammed Siraj delivered another decisive blow. Vaibhav mistimed a pull off a sharp bouncer and was caught after a brisk 36 off 16 balls, an innings featuring three fours and three sixes. Once again, Rajasthan struggled badly after their young opener failed to convert his start into a big score.

Dhruv Jurel briefly kept Rajasthan in the contest with a lively 24 off 10 balls, but wickets kept tumbling around him. Shimron Hetmyer disappointed on his return to the side, while Ravindra Jadeja could not make a meaningful impact despite starting with a six.

The game was effectively sealed by Rashid Khan, who rediscovered his old magic. The Afghan spinner struck twice in an over to remove Jurel and Donovan Ferreira, before later dismissing Shubham Dubey and Jadeja as well. Rashid finished with superb figures of 4 for 33, while Jason Holder claimed three wickets.

By the end, Rajasthan were simply playing for respectability. Dasun Shanaka struck a few late blows, but Gujarat’s bowlers proved too strong as the Royals were bowled out with 21 balls still remaining.