“Happy to get the win”: Shubman Gill delighted after winning POTM and stroming i – Shubman Gill Century Leads Gujarat Titans to IPL 2026 Final
A Commanding Display at Mullanpur
The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reached a fever pitch during Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. In a contest defined by clinical precision and aggressive strokeplay, the Gujarat Titans (GT) emerged triumphant, overpowering the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets to seal their berth in the grand finale.
The Toss Controversy and Early Struggles
The high-stakes encounter began with an unusual incident during the toss. A communication gap led to the coin toss being conducted twice, as the initial call from Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag went unheard by the match official. Once clarity was established, the Royals won the toss and elected to bat first. While the Royals kept their playing XI unchanged, the Titans opted to strengthen their side by bringing in R. Sai Kishore.
The Royals’ decision to bat initially seemed like a tactical error as they endured a nightmarish start. With Yashasvi Jaiswal dismissed for just one run and Dhruv Jurel departing for seven, the team found themselves reeling at 9/2. However, the middle order demonstrated resilience, with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravindra Jadeja anchoring the recovery.
Royals Build a Formidable Total
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played a pivotal role, bringing up his half-century in just 31 balls. Ravindra Jadeja, who briefly retired hurt after a gritty 34-run contribution, returned to the crease to stabilize the innings. As the partnership flourished, Vaibhav shifted gears before eventually falling for 96, agonizingly missing out on a century.
The death overs saw an explosive display of power-hitting from Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira. Ferreira played the role of the aggressor, smashing an unbeaten 38 off just 11 balls, while Jadeja remained not out on 45. The Royals successfully posted a daunting total of 214/6, setting the stage for a high-intensity chase.
The Shubman Gill Show
Chasing 215, the Gujarat Titans required a strong foundation, and they received exactly that from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The duo launched a blistering assault, reaching 50 runs in just four overs. By the end of the powerplay, the score read 69/0, with both batters in exquisite touch. Their partnership flourished, eventually crossing the 100-run mark as Gill cruised to his half-century in just 30 deliveries.
Sai Sudharsan, who has been in fine form, met an unfortunate end, becoming a ‘hit-wicket’ dismissal for the second time this season after scoring 58. However, the partnership of 167 runs had effectively broken the back of the chase. Shubman Gill continued his dominance, reaching a spectacular century in 47 balls. His final tally of 104 runs ensured the game was largely decided before Rahul Tewatia arrived to provide the finishing touches, remaining unbeaten on 17 to seal the win.
Post-Match Reflections
Shubman Gill, rightfully named the Player of the Match, reflected on the intense nature of the game. Discussing the partnership, he noted, We complement each other well. We understand each other very well, and when we communicate, we know which bowler to target. Referring to his own performance, he added, I was in a zone. I was focusing on the bowlers, picking my spots, and executing my shots. That is what happens when you are batting well.
Looking ahead to the final, Gill expressed satisfaction with the team balance, noting the depth of their bowling attack and the strategic flexibility of the squad. As the Titans celebrate this comprehensive victory, they now prepare to carry this momentum into the final, aiming to lift the trophy once more.
