Shubman Gill’s stunning century propels GT to IPL 2026 final against RCB after record chase

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill (ANI Photo) Shubman Gill produced a captaincy of the highest quality as Gujarat Titans stormed into their third IPL final in five seasons with an impressive seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday. Chasing a daunting 215, Gujarat completed the highest successful chase in franchise history and did so with remarkable ease, reaching the target in just 18.4 overs. The night began with Rajasthan Royals putting up another explosive batting show led by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose breathtaking 96 off 47 balls set the tournament alight once again. Opting to bat first on the surface used, Rajasthan posted an impressive 214 for 6, a total that initially looked more than competitive in a knock-out contest. But the prolific Gujarat Titans opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan completely dismantled the chase with a stunning partnership of 167 runs off just 77 balls. Their stand became the highest partnership in IPL playoff history and effectively killed off the competition well before the finish line. Gill was the chief architect of the chase with a majestic 104 off 53 deliveries, an innings filled with timing, placement and easy stroke play rather than brute force. In an era dominated by raw batting, Gill’s knock felt like a classic batting exhibition. He repeatedly broke through the gaps with precision, despite the extreme pace he confidently dragged Jofr Archer and danced around the track against the spinners with complete control. The Gujarat captain reached his century in just 47 balls, making it the fastest hundred in IPL playoff history. It was also the captain’s first century in the IPL playoffs and his fifth IPL hundred overall. Gill became the first ever batsman to score multiple centuries in IPL playoff matches. Sai Sudharsan once again played a perfect supporting role with a quick 58 off 32 balls. Interestingly, in the second game in a row, Sudharsan lost his grip on the bat while shooting and ended up with a bizarre goal. The victory once again underlined Gujarat Titans’ remarkable consistency since entering the IPL in 2022. In just five seasons, they have now reached the final three times, winning the title in their debut campaign. It was another night for Rajasthan Royals where Vaibhav Sooryavanshi almost single-handedly kept them alive. The 15-year-old arrived at the crease after RR lost Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in the opening two overs to Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada. On a pitch that had already hosted an Eliminator and was noticeably slower, the Gujarat bowlers targeted Sooryavanshi with hard lengths to the body and sharp short balls. Initially, he struggled to find the flow as the ball did not come easily to the bat. Yet, even under pressure, the teenager produced some stunning moves, including a sensational straight six off the 153km/h Rabada. Promoted to No.4, Ravindra Jadeja played a key stabilizing role with an unbeaten 45 off 35 balls. Jadeja was struggling with a tennis elbow problem and even got injured briefly before returning later in the innings to support Donovan Ferreira in the dying overs. Sooryavanshi also enjoyed a bit of luck when Sai Sudharsan dropped him for 46. Gujarat paid heavily for the no-hit as the teenager accelerated brilliantly through the middle turns as he fearlessly took on Rabada and Jason Holder. After his 97 in the previous match, another century looked inevitable, but he struck again in the 90s. Sooryavanshi attempted a top cut off Rabada and was caught at third man for 96. Even after his dismissal, Rajasthan looked just short of 200 before Donovan Ferreira unleashed utter mayhem in the final over. Rashid Khan had one of the worst overs of his T20 career as Ferreira smashed four sixes to steal 27 runs from the over to push Rajasthan to 210. However, even that proved insufficient as Gill and Sudharsan launched Gujarat Titans’ breathtaking response. After being knocked out by Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the playoffs, Gujarat have now booked a revenge match against the defending champions in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.