Gill’s Masterclass Powers Gujarat Titans Into IPL 2026 Final
- MediaFx
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Shubman Gill delivered one of the finest innings of IPL 2026 as Gujarat Titans stormed into their third IPL final in five seasons with a dominant seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.
Chasing a massive target of 215, Gujarat Titans completed the highest successful chase in franchise history with remarkable ease, reaching the target in just 18.4 overs.
Rajasthan Royals had earlier posted a formidable 214/6 after another sensational knock from teenage star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old smashed a breathtaking 96 off 47 balls and once again emerged as the standout performer for Rajasthan.
However, Gujarat’s opening pair completely turned the game into a one-sided contest.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan produced a record-breaking 167-run partnership off only 77 balls — now the highest opening stand in IPL playoff history. Gill led the charge with a stunning 104 off just 53 deliveries, combining elegance with fearless strokeplay.
The Gujarat captain reached his century in only 47 balls, making it the fastest hundred ever scored in IPL playoff history. Gill also became the first captain to score a century in IPL playoffs and the first batter to register multiple playoff centuries in IPL history.
Sai Sudharsan continued his brilliant season with a rapid 58 off 32 balls before getting dismissed in bizarre fashion through a hit wicket.
Despite Gujarat’s dominance in the chase, Rajasthan Royals had several bright moments earlier in the innings. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fought back brilliantly after RR lost early wickets to Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
The teenager displayed fearless batting against extreme pace and short-ball tactics, including a sensational straight six off a 153 kmph Rabada delivery. He looked set for another century after his previous 97-run knock, but heartbreak struck again when he fell for 96 while attempting an upper cut.
Ravindra Jadeja also played an important supporting role with an unbeaten 45 despite struggling with a tennis elbow issue during the innings.
Donovan Ferreira’s late assault gave Rajasthan a strong finish as he smashed four sixes in Rashid Khan’s final over, collecting 27 runs and pushing the total beyond 210.
But Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup proved unstoppable on the night.
With this victory, Gujarat Titans have now reached their third IPL final since joining the league in 2022. They will now face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Sunday’s grand final in Ahmedabad.
Shubman Gill IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals, GT vs RR Qualifier 2, IPL 2026 final, Shubman Gill century, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Gujarat Titans final, IPL playoff records, Sai Sudharsan, GT chase 215
Shubman Gill’s Record Century Sends Gujarat Titans To IPL 2026 Final