Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave Rajasthan Royals everything they could ask for in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, but the youngster couldn’t quite carry his team over the line. After a knock of 97 in the previous Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 15-year-old again struck a fine figure for RR, smashing 96 from 47 balls. Yet Gujarat Titans powered past the chase with Shubman Gill’s century, reaching the target in 18.4 overs to set up another IPL final.
Key takeaways
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi made 96 off 47 balls in the IPL 2026 Eliminator, after scoring 97 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the earlier Eliminator.
- Rajasthan Royals posted 214/6 in 20 overs, driven by Sooryavanshi’s late momentum after the top and middle order struggled.
- Gujarat Titans chased the total in 18.4 overs, thanks to Shubman Gill’s 104 off 53 balls.
- Gill and Sai Sudharsan forged a match-defining 167-run partnership in 77 balls to take control of the chase.
- Sudharsan was dismissed hit wicket for the second consecutive game.
- Gujarat Titans will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Sooryavanshi’s fight falls short as RR reach 214/6
Sooryavanshi’s second consecutive Eliminator innings underlined his temperament, even if the result didn’t go RR’s way. His strike rate of 204.26 reflected the urgency he brought, but it was the maturity of the innings that stood out—especially given how the rest of Rajasthan’s batting unit failed to provide a platform.
With the top and middle order unable to get going, the 15-year-old took responsibility and tried to steer the innings toward something defendable. To do that, he had to deal with sharp, challenging fast bowling, including spells from Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj.
Rajasthan, having been asked to bat on a used surface in Qualifier 2, still managed to reach a high total. Sooryavanshi’s 96 off 47 balls helped power the innings to 214 for six in 20 overs, giving the side a fighting chance despite the difficult conditions.
Gill’s century and a huge partnership seal another Titans final
Despite Sooryavanshi’s late surge, Gujarat Titans looked well equipped to chase, and Shubman Gill delivered the decisive breakthrough with a composed century. Gill’s 104 came off 53 deliveries and ensured the chase never truly slipped out of Titans’ grasp.
The match swung decisively during a 167-run stand off 77 balls between Gill and Sai Sudharsan, which set up a comfortable path toward the target. Sudharsan contributed 58 off 32 balls as the duo consistently attacked during their partnership.
Sudharsan, however, lost control of his bat for the second straight game and was dismissed hit wicket, but Titans were already in command. From there, they completed the chase in 18.4 overs with the required momentum and control.
Bodyline concerns and final showdown in Ahmedabad
Sooryavanshi’s innings also drew concern from former India batter Irfan Pathan, who questioned the use of bodyline-style bowling tactics aimed at a 15-year-old. Pathan said that such tactics do not sit well with him, even while acknowledging the youngster is playing against top-level players.
With the Eliminator decided, Gujarat Titans now turn their attention to the final. They will meet defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The schedule also carries extra edge for Titans, coming just days after they were hammered by the same Bengaluru side in Dharamsala.
For Titans, the final appearance marks another chapter of consistency. They have reached the IPL final three times since their debut season in 2022, when they eventually lifted the trophy.
