Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill shared an emotional note after his side missed out on the IPL 2026 title, reflecting on the heartbreak of the final defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and promising that the franchise will come back stronger next season.
Key takeaways
- Shubman Gill posted his message two days after Gujarat Titans lost the IPL 2026 summit clash.
- Gill described himself as “deeply hurt” by the result at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and said it weighs on his shoulders.
- He vowed that Gujarat will bounce back next year with the goal of winning a second IPL trophy for the franchise.
- Gill thanked supporters for backing the team through highs and lows during the tournament’s 19th edition.
- In IPL 2026, Gill scored 732 runs across 16 matches, including a century (104) versus Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.
- After Gujarat made 155/8 in the final, RCB chased it down comfortably with five wickets and 12 balls remaining, with Virat Kohli contributing an unbeaten 75.
Gill’s message after falling short in the final
Shubman Gill, who is also India’s Test and ODI captain, took time before speaking to fans following Gujarat Titans’ run to the title match in IPL 2026. In a candid Instagram post, the 26-year-old admitted that the loss in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad hurt “deeply,” adding that the disappointment has a heavy weight on him.
Despite the sting of the defeat, Gill stressed that the tournament offers lessons beyond match outcomes. He pointed out that losing is not the end of the story as long as a team continues to return with belief and refuses to give up. He also conveyed confidence that Gujarat Titans will regroup and go all the way in the next season.
Gill used the post to express gratitude to the franchise’s supporters, thanking every fan who backed the team during the tournament’s turning points. He said their energy helped Gujarat reach the finish line in the campaign. He signed off with the message “AAVA DE,” along with his appreciation to the fans.
“We came so close but couldn’t get over the line. It hurts deeply, and the disappointment weighs heavy, but this game that we all love teaches us so much about life. One thing it’s taught me is that there is no defeat in losing, as long as we keep coming back and not give up,” Gill wrote on Instagram.
How Gill and Gujarat’s IPL 2026 campaign unfolded
Gill’s batting campaign in IPL 2026 was a standout for Gujarat Titans. Across 16 matches, the right-hander amassed 732 runs and maintained high standards throughout. One of his key contributions came when he struck 104 against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.
Leading from the front, Gill’s performances helped the Titans finish second in the league stage. Gujarat ended the group phase with 9 wins and 5 defeats, earning a spot in the knockout round. Their journey, however, hit a speed bump when they were beaten by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1.
Still, the Titans found their rhythm when it mattered most again. In Qualifier 2, Gujarat bounced back strongly against the Royals, successfully chasing a target of 215. Gill played a match-winning knock, delivering the century that guided the side into the final.
The final: Gujarat’s 155/8 and RCB’s chase
The title match ultimately became a one-sided contest. Gill struggled to get going and was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, bringing an early end to his innings. Gujarat were restricted to 155/8 in their 20 overs at Ahmedabad.
RCB then chased the target with ease. The chase was completed with five wickets in hand and 12 balls still remaining, with Virat Kohli finishing unbeaten on 75 as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru sealed the IPL 2026 title.
