Gill’s Century Ends Sooryavanshi’s IPL 2026 Dream as Gujarat Book Final vs RCB

Gujarat Titans (219/3 in 18.4 overs) defeated Rajasthan Royals (214/7) by 7 wickets in Qualifier 2 to storm into the IPL 2026 final.

A majestic 104 from Shubman Gill set up the chase in a high-pressure knockout clash at Mullanpur on Friday. And with that, Rajasthan Royals’ season ended — along with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s sensational breakout run. The 15-year-old fought valiantly for his 96 off 47 balls, an innings built on grit, adjustment, and maturity beyond his years, but Gujarat Titans ultimately had the final word.

Gill produced the defining knock of the night, timing his return to form perfectly. His first IPL century in two seasons came in the most decisive moment of the campaign, steering Gujarat to a commanding chase of 215 — their first successful 200-plus pursuit this year — with eight balls to spare.

He and Sai Sudharsan laid the foundation with a breathtaking 167-run opening partnership that turned a daunting target into a controlled chase. From the moment Gujarat raced to 16 in the first over, the intent was unmistakable — and it never faded.

Rajasthan had earlier posted 214/7, largely thanks to Sooryavanshi’s composed yet demanding innings. Thrown into responsibility after early wickets, he absorbed pressure, rebuilt the innings, and still managed to accelerate when needed. His strokeplay against pace was fearless but calculated, especially in how he countered Gujarat’s short-ball tactics and high-speed spells.

Despite a heavy blow to the helmet off Kagiso Rabada, he returned with composure and continued to anchor the innings, falling just four runs short of a deserved century when caught at deep third.

Late fireworks from Donovan Ferreira (38 off 11 balls) lifted Rajasthan to a strong total, one that briefly felt match-winning. But Gujarat’s response was clinical and unhurried.

Once Gill and Sudharsan settled in, the chase slipped out of Rajasthan’s reach. Every phase of Gujarat’s innings felt measured — no panic, no collapse, just sustained control under knockout pressure.

The victory sends Gujarat Titans into their third IPL final in five seasons, where they will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rematch of Qualifier 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

For Rajasthan Royals, and especially Sooryavanshi, it was a night of promise and pain — a brilliant performance that ultimately ended just short of the finish line.