IPL 2026 Qualifier 2: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Showdown
Exciting Clash in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2
The IPL 2026 season has reached a thrilling climax, with tonight's match determining the second finalist. The Gujarat Titans will face off against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday, May 29. This knockout match is crucial, as the winner will secure a spot in the IPL 2026 final, while the losing team will see their journey end here.
Fans can anticipate an electrifying contest filled with powerful hits, intense bowling, and the drama typical of playoff matches.
Match Details
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals (Qualifier 2)
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
Where to Watch Live: The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.
Gujarat Titans Look to Recover
Led by Shubman Gill, the Gujarat Titans finished the league stage in second place, showcasing their strength throughout the season. However, they faced a setback in Qualifier 1, suffering a heavy 92-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Determined to rectify their mistakes, GT aims for a strong comeback. With seasoned players like Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada, they remain a formidable force in the tournament.
Rajasthan Royals Full of Confidence
The Rajasthan Royals enter this match with significant momentum. Under the captaincy of Riyan Parag, they recently triumphed over Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator, marking their third consecutive victory.
Their batting lineup has been explosive, and the bowling attack has consistently performed under pressure. With their confidence high, RR aims to continue their winning streak and reach the final.
Mullanpur Pitch: A Batting Paradise
The pitch at Mullanpur has proven to be highly favorable for batsmen in IPL 2026. This season, the average first-innings score at this venue has been around 220 runs.
In the last match played here, the Rajasthan Royals scored an impressive 243 runs, showcasing the excellent conditions for aggressive batting. Captains winning the toss may opt to bat first to apply pressure on their opponents in this critical knockout game.
Fans can expect another high-scoring encounter filled with boundaries and sixes.
Head-to-Head: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
Historically, the Gujarat Titans have had the upper hand against the Rajasthan Royals in IPL matches. Out of 10 encounters, GT has secured 7 victories, while RR has won 3.
However, this season has seen a balanced rivalry, with each team winning once during the league stage, setting the stage for an exciting decider tonight.
Key Players to Watch
Vaibhav Suryavanshi – Rajasthan Royals
The young batter has emerged as a key player for RR this season. In the Eliminator against SRH, he scored a remarkable 97 runs off just 29 balls, including 12 sixes. If he continues his form, Gujarat's bowlers may face significant challenges.
Kagiso Rabada – Gujarat Titans
The South African fast bowler has been exceptional for GT, taking 26 wickets in 15 matches this season. His performance against RR's aggressive batting lineup could be crucial in determining the match's outcome.
Probable Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (Captain), Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.
Impact Player: Rahul Tewatia
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper), Riyan Parag (Captain), Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma, Yash Raj Punja.
Impact Player: Sushant Mishra or Shubham Dubey
One Step Away from the IPL 2026 Final
Both the Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals are just one win away from reaching the IPL 2026 final. With explosive batting, quality bowling, and the pressure of playoffs, tonight's Qualifier 2 is set to be one of the season's most significant matches.