Mullanpur, May 29 (H.S.): Gujarat Titans stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after defeating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in the second qualifier on Friday, powered by a brilliant century from captain Shubman Gill and an explosive innings from Sai Sudharsan. The team will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the title clash on Sunday in Ahmedabad. This marks Gujarat Titans’ third IPL final in five seasons.

At the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals posted a commanding total of 214 for 6 in 20 overs after batting first. Their innings was highlighted by a sensational knock from 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored 96 runs off 47 balls, playing a range of eye-catching strokes to propel his side to a strong total.

Suryavanshi initially played with restraint, reaching his half-century in 31 balls—his slowest fifty of the season. He later shifted gears, striking seven sixes and maintaining relentless pressure on the Gujarat bowlers. Despite being struck on the helmet by a Kagiso Rabada bouncer, he continued his innings with determination.

Although wickets fell at the other end, Suryavanshi kept Rajasthan competitive and registered his third score of 90-plus in the last four matches, underlining his remarkable consistency.

Chasing 215, Gujarat Titans made a blazing start as the opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill completely dominated the Rajasthan bowling attack. The duo stitched together a 167-run partnership for the first wicket, effectively taking the game away from the opposition.

Sudharsan scored 58 off 32 balls, hitting eight boundaries and one six, before falling in a bizarre dismissal for the second consecutive match. While attempting a shot off Brijesh Sharma, his bat slipped from his hand and struck the stumps, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal.

Gill, however, was in sublime form throughout the chase. The Gujarat captain produced a masterclass, scoring 104 runs off 53 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes. He reached his century in just 47 deliveries. One of the standout moments of his innings was a stylish boundary off Ravindra Jadeja after stepping down the track.

Gujarat comfortably chased down the target to win by seven wickets.

At one stage, it appeared that Suryavanshi’s heroic knock would dominate the narrative of the match. However, Shubman Gill’s commanding century ensured he stole the spotlight, as Gujarat’s collective strength ultimately proved too strong, sealing their place in the final in emphatic fashion.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar