New Chandigarh: Shubman Gill produced a captain’s knock of the highest quality, smashing a brilliant 104 off 53 deliveries, as Gujarat Titans (GT) completed their highest-ever successful chase in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 and secure a place in the IPL 2026 final.
At the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Gill’s fifth IPL century, studded with 15 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 196.23, anchored GT’s successful chase of 215. He also shared a record 167-run opening partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan, whose explosive 58 off 32 balls laid the foundation for the victory.
The triumph sends Gujarat Titans into their third IPL final, where they will face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad, setting up a repeat of Qualifier 1 between the tournament’s top two teams.
Chasing 215, GT got off to a flying start as Gill and Sudharsan launched an early assault on Jofra Archer. The pair raced to 69 without loss in the Power-play, with both batters finding boundaries at will. Gill looked in sublime touch throughout his innings, timing the ball beautifully and effortlessly piercing gaps with elegant drives, pulls and lofted shots.
Sudharsan complemented his opening partner perfectly and brought up his half-century in just 26 balls with a towering six off Yash Raj Punja. Gill reached his fifty in 30 deliveries before continuing his dominance over the RR bowling attack.
The opening stand flourished as the duo ensured the required run rate remained under control. However, Sudharsan’s impressive innings ended in unusual fashion when he was dismissed hit wicket for the second consecutive match, this time off Brijesh Sharma.
Gill carried on unfazed and completed a memorable century with a lofted extra-cover drive off Ravindra Jadeja. The GT skipper celebrated his hundred with his trademark bow after reaching the landmark.
Although Archer eventually trapped Gill leg-before wicket, the damage had already been done. Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar ensured there were no late hiccups, adding valuable runs in the middle overs. Sundar struck a six and a four off Archer before falling to Nandre Burger for 16.
Rahul Tewatia then provided the finishing touches, striking Brijesh Sharma for consecutive boundaries before sealing victory in style with a straight six as GT reached 219/3 in 18.4 overs, completing the chase with eight balls to spare.
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals posted a formidable 214/6 in their 20 overs, powered by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s blistering 96 and an unbeaten 45 from Ravindra Jadeja. Jason Holder (2/27) and Kagiso Rabada (2/45) were the standout bowlers for Gujarat Titans.
Despite setting a challenging target, Rajasthan Royals were unable to contain GT’s top order as Gill’s masterclass ended their campaign and propelled Gujarat Titans into another IPL title clash.
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) lost to Gujarat Titans 219/3 in 18.4 overs (Shubman Gill 104, B. Sai Sudharsan 58; Nandre Burger 1/35, Brijesh Sharma 1/44) by seven wickets.
With IANS inputs