“Happy to get the win”: Shubman Gill delighted after winning POTM and stroming i – Shubman Gill Masterclass Powers Gujarat Titans to IPL 2026 Final
A Captain’s Knock at Mullanpur
The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur played host to a high-stakes encounter as the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) clashed in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2. In a game defined by sheer determination and tactical brilliance, the Gujarat Titans successfully chased down a daunting total to book their ticket to the grand final.
A Toss with a Twist
The atmosphere was electric from the start, though not without a moment of confusion. During the toss, a rare officiating oversight led to a redo after the match official failed to hear Riyan Parag’s call. Upon the second attempt, the Royals captain won the toss and elected to set a target. While the Royals retained their squad, the Titans made a strategic adjustment by introducing R. Sai Kishore into the lineup.
The Royals’ Resilient Recovery
The Rajasthan Royals faced immediate turbulence, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal for just one run and Dhruv Jurel for seven, leaving them reeling at 9/2. However, the middle order showed remarkable fortitude. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi anchored the innings with a brilliant 31-ball fifty, while Ravindra Jadeja provided steady support. Despite a temporary period where Jadeja had to retire hurt, his return ensured the momentum remained with the Royals.
Sooryavanshi was the standout, playing with intent before falling agonizingly short of a century at 96 runs. The death overs saw an explosive display of power-hitting. Donovan Ferreira, in particular, was the aggressor, smashing an unbeaten 38 off just 11 deliveries, while Jadeja finished on 45 not out. The Royals posted a formidable 214/6 in their 20 overs.
The Shubman Gill Show
Chasing 215, the Gujarat Titans needed a strong start, and that is exactly what they received. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan dictated terms from the first over, racing to fifty in just four overs. The duo dominated the powerplay, putting up 69 runs without loss, and eventually building a massive 167-run partnership.
The innings was a masterclass in clean hitting. Gill looked in sublime touch, reaching his own half-century in 30 balls and maintaining a relentless pace. Sai Sudharsan was unfortunate to be dismissed hit-wicket for 58, but the foundation was set. Gill continued his surge, bringing up a spectacular century in just 47 balls. By the time he reached his total of 104, the match was effectively out of the Royals’ reach. Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing flourish, remaining unbeaten on 17 to guide the Titans home.
Insights from the Captain
Following his Player of the Match performance, Shubman Gill reflected on the victory with poise. “There was some confusion there but happy to get the win. We complement each other well, we understand each other very well and when we communicate we know what bowler to take down,” Gill stated regarding his partnership with Sudharsan.
When asked about his incredible run of form, the captain added, “I don’t think I have seen anything, no one has seen anything like that in two matches in a row. It was all about I was in kind of in a zone; I was looking at the bowlers and seeing the ball, picking my spots to score the runs. Once we got off to a start, I wanted to finish the game.”
Gill also credited the depth of his squad, noting, “We are very fortunate to have very good bowlers; Sai Kishore didn’t even have a bowl today.” This collective strength and the ability to perform under pressure have been the hallmarks of the Titans’ journey to the final, leaving fans and pundits alike in awe of their clinical execution on the big stage.
