Yashasvi Jaiswal’s first stint as captain in IPL 2026 ended in a painful blow as Rajasthan Royals were hammered by 77 runs by Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. The stand-in skipper’s frustration was clear on the RR bench after the defeat, which followed a dominant performance from the Titans.
What Jaiswal said after the loss
Speaking after the match, Jaiswal explained that Rajasthan had tried to execute plans in the right areas, but Gujarat’s batters kept finding momentum. “How tough was it when GT got off to such a good start? I think we were just thinking to bowl in good areas and they were batting pretty well. So we were just thinking how we can cut down the boundaries or big shots. So I think it was pretty good from them,” he said.
Gujarat Titans’ innings: 229 for 4
Gujarat Titans set the tone with a strong batting display, anchored by skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. Gill struck a quick 84, while Sudharsan contributed a measured 55 as the Titans built a platform that proved too big for Rajasthan to chase.
- Gill and Sudharsan put together a 118-run partnership for the opening wicket after being sent in.
- That stand propelled Gujarat to a commanding total of 229 for 4.
- Washington Sundar then provided the finishing flourish, remaining unbeaten on 37 off just 20 balls.
Rajasthan Royals’ bowling and the fight back
In response, Brijesh Sharma was the standout for Rajasthan with figures of 2/47. Yash Raj Punja took 1/37, while Ravindra Jadeja also picked up a wicket as Gujarat reached their high total.
Rashid Khan’s spell seals it for GT
Rajasthan’s chase never gained traction as Gujarat’s bowling tightened the screws. Rashid Khan delivered a standout performance with 4/33, while Jason Holder returned 3/12 and Kagiso Rabada contributed 2/33. The pressure built consistently, and RR were dismissed for 152 in 16.3 overs.
How the match turned in the chase
When asked what went wrong, Jaiswal kept the focus on learning and moving forward. “Nothing much (What went wrong tonight?). I think we are going to look what we can do better and just look for the next game, what we can do and learn from this game,” he said.
Jaiswal backs Jofra Archer despite an off day
Jaiswal also defended Jofra Archer, insisting that one tough outing does not define his overall impact. Archer, who bowled the opening over for RR, conceded 18 runs in an 11-ball spell.
“No, it’s cricket (talking about Archer being off the radar today). We all know that there are some days where you are in, there are some days where you cannot bowl how you want to. But he’s been doing so well for us. So I think he’ll be coming back very strongly,” Jaiswal said.
Standings and next fixture
This loss was Rajasthan’s second straight defeat, dropping them to fifth place in the points table. They now sit with 12 points from 11 matches, having won 6 and lost 5, with a net run rate of +0.082.
Rajasthan’s next match is against Delhi Capitals on May 17.
