IPL 2026 Qualifier 2: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals - Key Player Battles to Watch
Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals Face Off in IPL 2026 Qualifier 2
The Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to clash with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the highly anticipated IPL 2026 Qualifier 2, aiming for a spot in the final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This match will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday, May 29.
In the previous round, GT faced defeat against RCB in Qualifier 1, while RR secured their place by overcoming the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator. This matchup marks the third encounter between these two teams this season, with each side having claimed victory in their earlier league meetings.
Key Player Battles to Define the Match
Several player matchups are expected to be pivotal in determining the outcome of this exciting contest.
1. **Mohammed Siraj vs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi**: Siraj aims to contain the aggressive starts of the young Sooryavanshi. In their three IPL encounters, Siraj has dismissed him once, while Sooryavanshi has scored 38 runs against him. In their last meeting, Sooryavanshi hit Siraj for 18 runs before being caught out by a well-placed short ball, a strategy directed by GT's head coach, Ashish Nehra.
2. **Shubman Gill vs. Jofra Archer**: This battle sees GT's captain Gill facing off against RR's pace spearhead Archer. Historically, Archer has dismissed Gill three times in their seven encounters, but Gill's recent performance against Archer shows promise, as he scored 20 runs off 11 balls in their last face-off.
3. **Kagiso Rabada vs. Yashasvi Jaiswal**: Rabada's ability to generate seam movement will challenge Jaiswal's aggressive batting style. In their six IPL meetings, Rabada has taken three wickets, while Jaiswal has scored 27 runs at a strike rate of 100. Rabada has dismissed Jaiswal in both encounters this season, conceding only 15 runs.
4. **Jos Buttler vs. Ravi Bishnoi**: Buttler's prowess against spin will be tested by Bishnoi, who has yet to dismiss him in their five encounters. Buttler scored 25 runs without losing his wicket to Bishnoi, indicating a competitive matchup.
5. **Rashid Khan vs. Riyan Parag**: This battle could be crucial in the middle and death overs. Parag has struggled against Rashid, scoring only 27 runs off 30 balls in their six encounters. In IPL 2026, Rashid has restricted Parag to just six runs off four balls without taking a wicket.