Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-stakes Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026 on May 29. After a clinical performance in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan enters this knockout fixture with high confidence, aiming to secure their place in the grand finale.
Under the tactical guidance of their leadership group, the inaugural champions are determined to turn the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium into their gateway to the finals. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, arrive in New Chandigarh eager to bounce back from their defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1.
Gujarat Titans have shown incredible resilience throughout the season and will be motivated to maintain their strong playoff record. With both teams featuring exceptional young talent and world-class bowling units, this encounter promises to be a strategic chess match for the right to face RCB in the championship match.
Match Details & Live Streaming
- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Date & Time: Friday, May 29, 7:30 PM (IST)
- Live Broadcasting & Streaming: Star Sports Network Channels, JioCinema App & Website
RR vs GT: Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 9
- Won by RR: 3
- Won by GT: 6
Pitch Report
The surface at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. The venue features relatively large boundaries, which will provide protection for spinners and test the power-hitting capabilities of the batsmen.
Historically, the new ball offers decent bounce and movement for fast bowlers, making the initial overs crucial for top-order safety.
As the match progresses, the track slows down slightly, offering assistance to disciplined finger spinners and wrist spinners. The average first-innings score at this venue ranges between 175–190. Dew is expected to become a major factor during the second innings, making chasing the preferred strategy for the captain winning the toss.
Team Analysis
Rajasthan Royals:
The Royals appear to have found their momentum at the perfect time. Their batting department is headlined by the dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal and the breakout young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently played a historic 29-ball 97 in the Eliminator. Middle-order stability is provided by Dhruv Jurel and Riyan Parag, ensuring a high scoring rate in the latter half of the innings.
On the bowling front, Jofra Archer and Nandre Burger lead a potent pace attack capable of extracting early bounce. The spin department relies on the extensive experience of Ravindra Jadeja and the clever variations of Ravi Bishnoi. Consistency in the death overs remains their primary focus after conceding heavy runs in the previous phase.
Gujarat Titans:
The Titans possess a well-balanced unit under captain Shubman Gill. Their batting lineup is formidable, with Gill leading from the front alongside the consistent Sai Sudharsan. The presence of the dangerous Jos Buttler adds massive experience and firepower to the top order, while Rahul Tewatia remains a reliable finishing presence.
Their bowling unit remains their primary strength, featuring the clinical accuracy of Mohammed Siraj and the world-class wrist spin of Rashid Khan. The addition of Kagiso Rabada ensures genuine pace, giving the Titans a potent attack capable of defending competitive totals under immense pressure.
Match Prediction
While Rajasthan Royals possess immense psychological momentum following their dominant win over Hyderabad, the Gujarat Titans offer a highly organized and experienced setup in knockout scenarios. The tactical battle between Rajasthan’s explosive openers and the premium bowling duo of Siraj and Rashid Khan will likely decide the direction of the match.
If the Gujarat top order handles the early threat of Archer effectively, their deep batting resource gives them a structural advantage. Recent squad balance suggests a marginal upper hand for the Titans in absorbing high-pressure situation challenges.
Prediction: Gujarat Titans likely to win
RR vs GT: Predicted Playing XI
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra.
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
