New Delhi: Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals are set for a blockbuster showdown in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League 2026 season on Friday in New Chandigarh, with a place in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at stake.
The knockout clash will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, where the winner will advance to Sunday’s final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The losing side will see its campaign come to an end.
Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, enter the contest looking to recover from a crushing 92 run defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1. Rajasthan Royals, captained by Riyan Parag, arrive with strong momentum after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator.
Much of the spotlight will once again be on 15 year old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who produced a breathtaking innings of 97 runs from just 29 balls in the previous match. His aggressive batting has emerged as one of Rajasthan’s biggest strengths during the playoffs.
Royals will also rely heavily on pace spearhead Jofra Archer, who picked up three crucial wickets against Hyderabad. Gujarat, meanwhile, will look towards experienced players such as Rashid Khan, Jos Buttler and Mohammed Siraj to deliver in the pressure game.
Historically, Gujarat Titans hold the advantage in this rivalry, winning seven of the ten IPL meetings between the two sides. However, Rajasthan have won two of the last three encounters, including a six run victory earlier this season.
The pitch at Mullanpur has consistently produced high scoring games during IPL 2026. In the previous match at the venue, Rajasthan posted 243 runs before bowling out Hyderabad for 196, raising expectations for another batting friendly contest.
With explosive batting line ups, in form young stars and a place in the IPL final on the line, Friday’s clash promises to be one of the biggest matches of the season.
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