Former India captain Anil Kumble has praised Shubman Gill for his match-turning century in Qualifier 2, calling it a textbook display of leadership when the stakes are highest. The Gujarat Titans skipper struck an unbeaten 104 off 53 balls to guide his team to a seven-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals, setting up a shot at the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Key takeaways
- Gill finished with 104 not out from 53 deliveries as Gujarat Titans won Qualifier 2 by seven wickets.
- Gujarat successfully chased 215 to reach the final, securing a clash with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Kumble highlighted Gill’s intent from the start and said the batter never allowed Rajasthan’s bowlers to settle.
- The innings marked Gill’s fifth century in IPL cricket and came after Gujarat’s defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1.
- Kumble pointed to Gujarat’s aggressive powerplay plan, backed by a 167-run opening partnership between Gill and Sai Sudharsan.
- Special mention went to Gill’s footwork against spinner Ravindra Jadeja as he handled both pace and spin with control.
Clinical authority in the chase
Kumble described Gill’s approach as “clinical,” stressing that the skipper looked mentally switched on from the outset. He noted that the batter’s mindset was firmly aimed at reaching the final, and that the quality of his execution made the chase look under control despite the pressure of a qualifier.
While Kumble acknowledged that Gill would have been disappointed with his side’s showing in Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he underlined that the response in Qualifier 2 was immediate and decisive. In his view, Gill took charge early, maintained authority over the innings, and ensured Rajasthan did not find rhythm through their bowling changes.
A powerplay plan that set the tone
Another major thread in Kumble’s assessment was Gujarat’s aggressive posture during the powerplay. He said Gill and opening partner Sai Sudharsan laid the groundwork for the record chase through positive intent, building a 167-run opening stand that shifted momentum firmly in Gujarat’s favour.
Kumble also explained that the early strategy was clear: go hard from the first over, make a statement, and then sustain that intensity as the innings progressed. He praised the way Gill went beyond simply reacting to conditions, instead taking the attack to the bowlers and keeping the chase moving at a steady tempo.
Control against both pace and spin
For Kumble, Gill’s knock stood out not only for the shotmaking against pace, but also for how confidently he dealt with Rajasthan’s spin options. He specifically singled out Gill’s footwork against Ravindra Jadeja, describing it as a key factor in how the Gujarat captain handled one of the tournament’s most seasoned spinners.
In Kumble’s words, the innings was outstanding because it wasn’t limited to fast bowling—Gill’s technique and movement against spin were equally impressive. He remained composed, kept finding boundaries at regular intervals, and made sure the required run rate never became a real concern.
Kumble summed up the innings as a chanceless, classic captain’s knock—an effort marked by control throughout and a complete absence of unnecessary risk or luck. With that hundred, he said, Gill delivered exactly what was needed to take his team to the final.
Final confirmed for Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans, the champions from 2022, will now take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final. Both sides will be looking for a second league title as they prepare for the decisive clash after Qualifier 2 set up the matchup.
