MULLANPUR, MAY 29 (PTI): Gujarat Titans (GT) booked their place in a third Indian Premier League (IPL) final in five seasons with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 on Friday. Shubman Gill’s sublime century overshadowed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s dazzling innings, as GT chased down a stiff target with remarkable ease.
Opting to bat first on a used surface, RR were rocked early, losing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel inside two overs. But 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rose to the occasion, crafting a breathtaking 96 off 47 balls. Despite bowlers targeting him with back-of-length deliveries, he adapted brilliantly, producing audacious strokes including a straight six off Kagiso Rabada’s 153 kmph ball.
Sooryavanshi dominated the middle overs, punishing Rabada and Jason Holder with fearless shot-making. He was dropped on 46 by Sai Sudharsan and capitalized, reaching his sixth fifty of the season. However, for the second consecutive game, he fell short of a century, caught at third man off Rabada.
Ravindra Jadeja, promoted to number four, contributed a steady 45 not out despite struggling with a tennis elbow. Returning after retiring hurt, he partnered Ferreira (38 not out off 11) in the death overs. Ferreira’s late assault, including a 27-run final over against Rashid Khan, propelled RR to 214 for six.
GT’s chase was anchored by a majestic 104 off 53 balls from Shubman Gill, supported by Sai Sudharsan’s fluent 58 off 32. The pair stitched together a 167-run stand in just 77 balls, dismantling RR’s bowling attack with classical stroke play. Gill’s innings featured 15 fours and three sixes, showcasing his mastery of the pull shot and deft footwork against spinners.
Sudharsan, despite his unusual dismissal—hit wicket for the second match in a row—played a crucial role in maintaining the tempo. Gill reached his hundred with a stylish extra-cover drive off Jadeja, underlining his impeccable form this season.
GT completed the chase in 18.4 overs, highlighting their batting depth and composure under pressure.
RR’s hopes rested on their X-factor players—Sooryavanshi and Jofra Archer.
While Sooryavanshi delivered, Archer failed to strike in the powerplay, leaving RR vulnerable. Holder bowled well in the middle overs, but the rest of the attack lacked penetration.
The packed crowd, drawn largely to witness Sooryavanshi’s brilliance, witnessed both his fireworks and Gill’s masterclass. Despite RR’s competitive total, GT’s disciplined batting proved too strong.
Since their debut in 2022, GT have reached three finals, winning the title in their inaugural season. Their consistency has been remarkable, and this victory sets up a blockbuster final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Gill’s form strengthens his case for a return to India’s T20 squad ahead of the World Cup, having been dropped earlier. His ability to blend classical technique with modern aggression makes him one of the most complete batters in the league.
Brief Scores
Rajasthan Royals: 214/6 in 20 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 96, Ravindra Jadeja 45*; Kagiso Rabada 2/41, Jason Holder 1/33)
Gujarat Titans: 215/3 in 18.4 overs (Shubman Gill 104, Sai Sudharsan 58; Jofra Archer 0/45, Rabada 1/47)
