Shubman Gill’s century takes Gujarat Titans to IPL 2026 final – Shubman Gill Century Propels Gujarat Titans into IPL 2026 Final

A Captain’s Knock for the Ages

In a breathtaking display of batting at New Chandigarh, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill etched his name into the history books. By scoring a magnificent century during the high-stakes Qualifier 2 of the 2026 Indian Premier League, Gill not only secured a place for his team in the final but also became the first captain in the history of the tournament to score a century in a playoff match.

Chasing a formidable target of 215, the Titans reached the required total with relative ease, finishing at 18.4 overs with seven wickets in hand. The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as Gill took control of the game from the very first ball.

Gill and Sudharsan Dominate the Powerplay

Shubman Gill’s innings was a masterclass in composure and aggression. He finished with an astounding 104 runs off just 53 balls, an innings decorated with 15 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. His opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan was the cornerstone of the chase, as the duo piled on 167 runs for the first wicket, effectively taking the game away from the Rajasthan Royals.

Sai Sudharsan continued his fine form, contributing a rapid 58 off 32 deliveries, including 8 fours and a six. However, his dismissal was a moment of rare misfortune as he was out ‘hit wicket’ for the second consecutive match, this time off the bowling of Brijesh Sharma. Following the foundation laid by the openers, Jos Buttler and Rahul Tewatia remained composed to see the team over the line, with Tewatia contributing a brisk 17 off 9 balls.

The Rajasthan Royals’ Fighting Total

Earlier in the match, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and elected to bat first. The start was far from ideal, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel departing early, leaving the team at 9 for 2. However, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stepped up to play the most significant innings of his career. Sooryavanshi scored a blistering 96 off 47 balls, hitting 8 fours and 7 sixes to keep the scoreboard moving.

Ravindra Jadeja, who was promoted up the order, provided stability after a brief period where he had to retire hurt. He returned to score a gritty 45 off 35 balls. Donovan Ferreira provided the final flourish with an explosive 38 not out in only 11 balls, which included 4 sixes and 2 fours, pushing the Royals to a total of 214.

Bowling Performances and the Road Ahead

The Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit faced a stiff challenge against the aggressive Rajasthan batting lineup. Jason Holder was the standout performer with the ball, returning impressive figures of 2 for 27 in his four-over spell. Kagiso Rabada also maintained control, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs. Despite Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna proving expensive, they managed to pick up a wicket each to help restrict the Royals.

With this victory, the Gujarat Titans have set up a highly anticipated final showdown against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The championship match is scheduled to take place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. Fans can expect a thrilling contest as the two best teams of the season clash for the ultimate prize in Indian cricket.

Looking Back at the Season

The journey to the final has been defined by individual brilliance and collective team effort. Shubman Gill’s leadership has been a defining feature of the Titans’ campaign, and his form in the knockouts could not have come at a better time. As the excitement builds for the final, the momentum is firmly with the Gujarat Titans, though they will be wary of the threat posed by the formidable RCB side.