HIGHLIGHTS Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Match 52 - Result, Scorecard

We are back for the chase! The players are already out in the middle now. Rajasthan Royals' young, yet explosive opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi are ready to go as well. Vaibhav also has happy memories at this venue, as he scored his maiden IPL hundred against the Gujarat Titans last season.  Mohammed Siraj will start proceedings with the ball. However, before that, the new ball needs a bit of repair. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Royals' bowlers endure a tough outing - Rajasthan Royals' bowlers were off target right from the start, with Jofra Archer conceding 18 runs in the very first over to set the tone for a difficult innings. Gujarat Titans took full advantage and raced to 82 in the Powerplay, putting the Royals under immense pressure early on. The spin duo of Ravindra Jadeja and Yash Punja did manage to pull things back slightly during the middle overs, combining for figures of 2/71 from their eight overs and briefly slowing the scoring rate. However, the pacers continued to struggle, with all of them conceding at over 11 runs an over. The 19 extras and a couple of dropped catches only added to Rajasthan's frustrations. Still, the Royals possess a destructive batting lineup, and they will need their batters to fire collectively against a strong Gujarat bowling attack if they are to fight their way back into the contest. Join us in a bit for the second essay.

A quick chat - GT's Sai Sudharsan starts off by responding to the query regarding the pitch. He says that at first the ball was coming nicely onto the bat, but as it got older, it started to turn. When asked if there was any plan to take on Jofra, Sudharsan says that they always have plans ready on how to react to specific bowlers, and today it worked against Archer. On bowling plans, he adds that as the pitch is on the slower side, their bowlers should go for the slower cutters because it's not an easy wicket to bat on once the ball gets older. On batting alongside Gill, Sai shares that he is very lucky to have an opening partner like Shubman and ends up saying that he looks up to his game from many perspectives.

Openers lay the perfect platform - The Gujarat Titans opening pair deliver once again, doing it with their trademark elegance and control. Rather than relying purely on brute force, they hurt the bowlers with precise timing and clever placement, making life extremely frustrating for the opposition. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan stitched together a massive 118-run opening stand, with both bringing up fluent half-centuries. Gill battled through a foot injury but continued to play his strokes freely, producing a superb 84 off just 44 balls. Washington Sundar then injected fresh momentum with an unbeaten 37 off 20, while Rahul Tewatia's late blows helped Gujarat finish just shy of the 230-run mark.

Titans finish with a flourish - Gujarat Titans produce a commanding batting display to register their highest first-innings total of the season, and with the quality in their bowling attack, they will back themselves strongly to defend it. Rajasthan Royals did stage a mini fightback, conceding just 12 runs across the 18th and 19th overs to briefly pull things back. However, the momentum swung sharply once again in the Titans' favour after a 21-run final over gave the innings a powerful finish.

Tushar Deshpande to Washington Sundar, Just a single! Low full toss, angling away. Washington shuffles across for the scoop, but is rushed, and the ball hits him high on the bat. It dribbles towards square leg and Sundar can only pick up a single. 21 runs off the final over and the Gujarat Titans finish with 229/4.

Tushar Deshpande to Washington Sundar, A dot, or is it? Washington Sundar has taken the review, hoping to overturn the decision to a wide. Seam-up ball, a yorker, landing outside the line of the leg stump. Sundar drops to his knees to have a swing across the line but misses. The replays show that the ball dipped on the batter to go under the bat and went through his legs. It is a fair delivery. A strange review from Sundar.

Tushar Deshpande to Washington Sundar, SIX! My word, that is a shot and a half! Change of pace from Deshpande. This is the off-cutter, on a back of a length, going across the left-hander. Stand and deliver stuff from Sundar, who waits for the ball to arrive and plays the lofted hit on the rise over wide long off.

Tushar Deshpande to Rahul Tewatia, Pushes it wider on off, on a short of a length. Rahul slaps it to deep point for a run.

Tushar Deshpande to Rahul Tewatia, SIX MORE! Smart batting by Tewatia. Angling away, on a back of a length. Rahul anticipates the line to be outside off and he walks across to help it over the man at short fine leg. It is played with the breeze and goes over the fence.

Tushar Deshpande to Rahul Tewatia, SIX! That sounded so sweet. Tushar Deshpande goes searching for the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, on middle and leg. Tewatia collapses his back knee and connects well to dispatch it over square leg for a flat six.

Tushar Deshpande to Rahul Tewatia, Wide! A yorker, going down leg. Tewatia swings at it but misses.

An excellent penultimate over from Brijesh Sharma. Can Tushar Deshpande close it off well?

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, Yes, he does. Just 4 runs off the 19th over. Bowls the off-cutter and keeps it on a good length, outside off. Washington Sundar swings to thrash it through the off side but is undone by the slowness of the delivery and he fails to connect. Just 12 runs off the last 2 overs.

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, Top delivery! Nearly a yorker, in line with the off stump. Sundar smacks it back to Brijesh on the bounce, who makes a sharp top. Can Sharma finish well?

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, Missed out! From around the wicket, Brijesh dishes out a low full toss, outside off. Sundar tries to use the pace by opening the bat face but misses.

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, Into the surface, off-pace delivery, on off. Sundar waits for the ball to arrive and slaps it to the left of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Brijesh Sharma to Rahul Tewatia, Tewatia was gone had the throw hit. Angling away, on a length, Rahul reaches out and spanks it to extra cover before setting off for a quick single. Yashasvi Jaiswal charges in, picks the ball up and has a shy at the bowling end but misses.

Rahul Tewatia is the new batter.

Brijesh Sharma to Jason Holder, OUT! CAUGHT! The slower ball does the trick for Brijesh Sharma. Rolls his fingers over the ball and bowls the off-cutter at 109.6 kph, on a nagging length, on off. Holder hangs deep in the crease and swings with a horizontal bat. He fails to get hold of it and the ball balloons towards extra cover, where Yashasvi Jaiswal settles under it on the edge of the ring and gobbles it up.

That was wide number 15 from the Royals.

Brijesh Sharma to Jason Holder, Wide! Wayward from Brijesh. A low full toss, well down leg. Holder lets it be. Dhruv Jurel does well to move to his left and prevents the ball from going past him.

Tushar Deshpande to Jason Holder, Deshpande finishes well. Attempts the yorker but it comes out as a low full toss, on middle. Jason smears it off the inner half to deep mid-wicket. Just a single. A good comeback from Deshpande after conceding a boundary on the first ball.

Tushar Deshpande to Jason Holder, Nice change-up! Bangs it in short and the ball skids through, outside off. Holder swings across for the pull but the ball sails over his blade. Just 7 runs off the over with a ball to go.

Tushar Deshpande to Jason Holder, Superb stuff from Deshpande. Nails the yorker, on off and middle. Jason hurriedly gets his bat down to keep it out.

Tushar Deshpande to Washington Sundar, Slips in a yorker, at the base of the leg stump. Washington gets the front pad out of the way and jams it out through square leg for one more.

Tushar Deshpande to Washington Sundar, Wide! A yorker, sprayed down leg, Sundar misses out on the tickle. 14th run that has come off a wide this innings.

Tushar Deshpande to Jason Holder, Well bowled! Executes the yorker, on off and middle. Jason digs it out to point and crosses over.

Tushar Deshpande to Jason Holder, FOUR! The 200 is up for the Gujarat Titans. Full and wide on off, Holder is allowed to free his arms and he goes through with the lofted hit over extra cover for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande replaces Jofra Archer.

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, SIX! A valiant effort from Dasun Shanaka. Birjesh goes full and takes pace off, on middle and leg. Sundar gets low and has a swipe across the line. Skies it towards deep backward square leg, where Shanaka runs to his right but does not have a genuine catching opportunity. It was more about preventing the six. Shanaka sticks out his right hand to palm the ball back in but fails to do so as the ball drops beyond the fence off his hands.

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, FOUR! In the gap! Pace on now, bowled on a hard length. Sundar presses on the back foot and plays the pull. Gets it high on the bat but the ball skips across the turf and it splits the deep mid-wicket and long on fielders.

Brijesh Sharma to Washington Sundar, Oh, that would have been a wide had Sundar left it. To make matters worse, he has copped a bit of a blow on the midriff. Off-cutter, pitching outside the leg stump, on a good length. Washington hangs low for the scoop but is early into the stroke. The ball deflects off the toe end onto his body.

Brijesh Sharma to Jason Holder, Honing in at the stumps, on a length, Holder plays it to long off and opens his account with a single.

End of a high-quality knock from the GT skipper. Jason Holder is the next man in.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, OUT! CAUGHT! Brijesh Sharma has his man. The innovation does not come off for Shubman Gill. Pushes the length up, does Brijesh, outside off. With fine leg inside the circle, Gill walks across the stumps to play the scoop. The ball is too full for that shot and he cannot get under it. Spoons it over short fine leg, where Tushar Deshpande takes a couple of steps back and takes the catch over his right shoulder. RR will hope that this kickstarts their fightback at the death.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, SIX! Good hit! Leg-cutter from Sharma, on a length, outside the off stump. Gill takes a step back in the crease and collapses his back knee to slam it inside out over cover for a biggie.

Strategic Break! Despite carrying that injury, Shubman Gill hasn't slowed down one bit and is leading from the front. Gujarat Titans have the perfect platform to go all guns blazing in the last four overs and get something near 230 if not more and try to bat the Royals out of the game. The spinners did pull things back slightly for the hosts, but the pacers have been all over the place and with Jofra Archer also being off the pace, Rajasthan need to try and stay in the contest, executing their plans at the death. Here is Brijesh Sharma to bowl after the break.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, This is on off and middle. Gill takes it on the full and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one. Three excellent balls from Archer to finish the over strongly.

Jofra Archer to Washington Sundar, Another pinpoint yorker by Archer, right at the base of the middle pole. Sundar can't do much about it and just squeezes it out to cover for another single.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Nails the yorker, on the off stump, Gill digs it out beside the strip on the leg side and turns the strike over.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Pace on now, full and on off. Gill hangs deep in the crease and thumps it down the ground. Ravindra Jadeja is quick across the turf at long on and gathers the ball on the bounce. Two runs taken.

Jofra Archer to Washington Sundar, Bashes the surface and this is angled into the left-hander. Sundar drops it with soft hands in the mid-wicket region for a run.

Jofra Archer to Washington Sundar, SIX! Hold the pose, Washington! Not a great ball by Archer. An off-cutter floated up to the batter with mid off inside the circle, on middle. Sundar presents the full face of the bat and swings through the line to pump it over the long off fence.

Jofra Archer to Washington Sundar, Wide! Pace off by Archer to start with. This is sprayed down leg, on a back of a length. Washington Sundar walks across for the scoop but misses.

Jofra Archer is back on.

Donovan Ferreira to Washington Sundar, Low full toss, on off, Sundar taps it to the left of extra cover and picks up a single. 11 runs off Ferreira's first over.

Donovan Ferreira to Shubman Gill, Pushed across the right-hander, full in length. Gill swings a bit too hard and loses his shape. Hacks it off the inner half to long on. Single taken.

Donovan Ferreira to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Hammered in the gap! Donovan Ferreira darts the ball in at the sticks, very full. Gill is quick to get the front pad out of the way and whips it away to the left of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Donovan Ferreira to Shubman Gill, Fired in full, on middle. Gill jams it out back to the bowler.

Donovan Ferreira to Washington Sundar, Shorter and on off, Sundar punches it to long off for a single.

Donovan Ferreira to Washington Sundar, FOUR! Lovely shot! Off-break first up, on a length, on off. Sundar reaches out in front and goes inside out with ease over cover to pick up a boundary.

Both the spinners are done with their spells, and unless Yashasvi Jaiswal thinks about getting Donovan Ferreira into the attack, it has to be all pace from now on. He has done exactly that, seeing the spinners doing well on this track. Also, Yash Punja's job is done for the night. He has been replaced by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who is the Impact Sub for RR.

Yash Punja is substituted by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, A couple of runs. Fractionally short, on off. Shubman gets on top of the bounce and punches it to the letft of deep cover. Dasun Shanaka gets around to his left in the deep and tidies up.

Ravindra Jadeja to Washington Sundar, On a good length, on middle. Sundar works it away to long on for one.

Ravindra Jadeja to Washington Sundar, Full and attacking the stumps, blocked out by Sundar.

Ravindra Jadeja to Washington Sundar, A bit of misfield now! Floated and fuller, on middle. Washington Sundar clips it toward the vacant mid-wicket region. The fielder in the deep has a chase and tries to pick up and throw, but overruns. The batter gets the time to take the second.

A short stay for Jos Buttler. Washington Sundar comes out to the middle now.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jos Buttler, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! Ravindra Jadeja gets the big wicket of Jos Buttler. Full and on off at 107.2 kph, Buttler puts his head down and swings to go down the ground. He cuts across the line of the ball and the bat turns in his hand. Slices it high in the air towards long off, where Donovan Ferreira runs in off the ropes to settle under it and does the rest.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jos Buttler, Fuller, outside off, Jos Buttler looks to reverse sweep but misses the connection.

Will Jadeja also bowl out now? Yes, he will.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Innovative and effective! Punja drops it short once again, on off. Gill has all the time in the world to get into the position for the reverse and plays it over short third for a boundary.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Wide! Short and wide on off, Gill lets it go.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, In the air... but safe! Fuller and flatter, just outside off. Shubman Gill charges down the track and looks to go big downtown, but gets it off the outer part of the bat. The ball lobs behind the cover region. The sweeper cover fielder, Shimron Hetmyer, charges across to his right and dives but the ball drops out of his reach. Two runs taken.

Yash Punja to Jos Buttler, Around leg, on the shorter side. Buttler misses out on the tickle. The batters sneak in a leg bye as the ball rolls beside the strip on the leg side.

Yash Punja to Jos Buttler, Slower through the air and fuller, around off. Jos Buttler leans on the delivery and rests it toward the off side.

Yash Punja to Jos Buttler, SIX! Clean strike! Floated up, it is the googly, on middle. A bit too full by Punja and Buttler needs no second invitation. He swings through the line and pumps it over long on for a biggie.

Yash Punja to Jos Buttler, Googly from Punja, pitching it up, on off. Jos Buttler looks to flick but closes the face of the willow early and gets the leading edge, before the ball rolls toward backward point.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jos Buttler, Around off, a bit of turn, on a length, Buttler drives it past point and retains the strike with a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Fuller, around off, Shubman Gill punches it to deep extra cover for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, DROPPED, SIX! Shimron Hetmyer has tipped it over the ropes. Fizzed into the pads by Jajdea, full in length. Gill clears the front leg and whips it by using his bottom hand. Hits it flat to deep mid-wicket, where Hetmyer runs in off the ropes and then realises that he needs to back pedal. He gets both hands over his head but fails to cling on as the ball clips his fingertips and pops over his head before dropping beyond the fence.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Quality shot! A touch fuller, outside off. Shubman Gill opens up his front hip and slaps it inside out, past cover for another boundary.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jos Buttler, Full and speared in at the off stump. Buttler pushes it wide of cover for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Jos Buttler, FOUR! Up and over! Flight offered, just outside off, fuller in length. Jos Buttler uses his bottom hand and lofts it inside out over cover for four runs.

Yash Punja to Jos Buttler, Greets Buttler with a googly, on a good length, on middle. Jos picks it from the hand and works it with the spin towards the vacant mid-wicket region for a single to get off the mark.

Finally, something to cheer for the home crowd. Jos Buttler walks out to bat at number 3, against his former side. Shubman Gill is down again, getting treatment from the physio for his foot injury. We are good to resume.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, OUT! CAUGHT! Yash Punja provides a much-needed breakthrough for the home side. Sai Sudharsan admonishes himself as he punches his bat. Googly from Punja, full and leaving the left-hander. Sai Sudharsan plants his front foot towards the pitch of the ball and swings at it. The bat turns in his hand and the ball goes off the inner half. It goes flat and straight down the throat of Jofra Archer at long on, who takes the catch close to his chest. End of a 118-run opening stand for GT.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, A swing and a miss! Tossed up, across off. Sai Sudharsan attempts the reverse but fails to connect.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, FIFTY FOR GILL! 4th half-century of the season for the GT skipper. Angled into the pads, on the shorter side. Shubman hangs back and flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. He did not have much of the strike early on, but once he settled in, he gradually began to dictate terms.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, Short and on off, that is punched off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, Googly to start from Punja, just outside off. Sai Sudharsan pulls it from the inner half of his bat to backward square leg and gets a couple of runs.

Shubman Gill is really struggling. How long before he decides that he cannot continue? Especially with Sai Sudharsan being the kind of batter who constantly looks to push his partner for quick singles and twos.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Two quiet overs from Jadeja! Fires this one full and around off, Shubman Gill throws his hands at it but ends up bunting it onto the pitch as the ball rolls back to the bowler.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sai Sudharsan, Sharp fielding! Short of a length, outside off. Sai Sudharsan opens the face of the bat and guides it toward the left of the short third fielder, but he does well to make a diving stop. They cross.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, A full toss, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill drills it to long on for another run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, A tad fuller, outside off. Shubman Gill crouches a bit low and punches it toward the left of the deep cover-point fielder. Gill hobbles but manages to come back for the second run. Simon Katich reckons it could possibly be an Achilles issue.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sai Sudharsan, Short and on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Flat and full, just outside off. Shubman Gill leans on the delivery and pushes it to cover for a single.

Halt! The physio is out to attend to Shubman Gill. Just after completing the single on the previous ball, the GT skipper experienced some discomfort. It appears to be an issue with the back of his left leg. A magic spray followed by a few stretches, and Gill is ready to resume.

Game stopped due to : Play Halted

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Risky single! Drops it short and on middle, angles it in, Shubman Gill backs away and stabs it towards extra cover. He sets off for the run but has to hurry, with the fielder missing his shy at the bowler's end.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Excellent running between the sticks! Short of a length, on middle, Shubman Gill rocks back and tucks it with soft hands in the vacant mid-wicket region. Yash Punja goes after the ball to put pressure on the batters, but fails to stop the second run.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, FIFTY FOR SUDHARSAN! A knock out of the top drawer, and this is his 16th IPL half-century. He gets to it in just 30 balls and has not at all looked troubled. Dragged back and outside off, Sai Sudharsan cuts it to deep point for another run.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Full and on off, Gill comes forward and works it to long off for a run.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, A googly, short and on off, Sai Sudharsan punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! More runs for GT! Fractionally short, outside off, Sai Sudharsan rocks back and cuts it late. The ball goes past the keeper and races past short third for four runs.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sai Sudharsan, First over without a boundary! Shortish and on middle, Sai Sudharsan punches it down to long off for one more.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Short again, around off, Gill pushes it to cover and gets across to rotate the strike.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sai Sudharsan, Short and flat, on middle, played towards square leg for a single.

Ravindra Jadeja to Sai Sudharsan, Much fuller, on off, Sai Sudharsan goes deep inside the crease and flicks it to the vacant square leg region to take a brace.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Put down! An excellent effort though! Floated, full and on off, Shubman Gill strides out and drives it uppishly and wide of extra cover. Yashasvi Jaiswal flings himself to his right, trying to grab it with his outstretched hand, but just fails to hold on to it. They cross.

Ravindra Jadeja to Shubman Gill, Full-length delivery, on middle, Shubman Gill eases it back to the bowler.

It will be spin from both ends as Ravindra Jadeja has been introduced.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Dragged back and on middle, Shubman Gill stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Flighted, full but a bit too outside off, Shubman Gill lets it go. Called a wide.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Not entirely under control, but Gill will take those runs. A touch fuller, angling it down the leg side. Shubman Gill sits down on one knee and looks to sweep it late and down toward fine leg, but gets the connection from the shoulder of the bat. The ball loops over the short fine leg fielder and races away for four runs.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, Short and just outside off, Sai Sudharsan cuts it to deep point for another run.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Flighted, much fuller, just outside the off stump. Shubman Gill prods and drives it towards long off. Single taken.

Yash Punja to Sai Sudharsan, Floated, short and around off, turns away a bit. Sai Sudharsan moves back to pull it away but misses. Dhruv Jurel, the keeper fails to collect it cleanly and allows a bye.

Yash Punja to Shubman Gill, Yash Punja starts with a shorter one, outside off. Shubman Gill rocks back and punches it through cover for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Rajasthan Royals take the timeout at the first opportunity available. They look rattled out on the park, and RR head coach, Kumar Sangakkara, has gathered his men in a huddle to regroup. This is a batting beauty, no doubt, but the Royals have not helped their own cause with some ordinary bowling. Having last played on 1st May before tonight, perhaps it is the rustiness showing. The Gujarat Titans could not have asked for a better start, and it is now about building on from here to post an imposing total and potentially bat RR out of the game. First look at spin as the tall leggie Yash Punja comes on.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, Pitched up, on middle and leg, Shubman Gill drills it to long on for one more. Three 15-run overs in a row. Gujarat Titans are 82/0 at the end of the Powerplay. According to the on-air commentators, this is GT's best Powerplay score of the season.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Cracking shot! Very full delivery, on middle and off, Shubman Gill stays in his crease and smacks it down the ground to the long off fence for another boundary.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, A mix-up but no harm done! On a length and around off, Sai Sudharsan steers it towards point and sets off for the run but is sent back when he is halfway through. Jofra Archer takes his eyes off the ball and fails to pick it up cleanly, missing the chance to have a shy at the batter's end. The batters ulitmately get the run.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Class batting! Attempted yorker, but it turns out to be a low full toss, around off. Sai Sudharsan leans on to his drive nicely and creams it through covers for a boundary.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, Slower, full and on middle, Shubman Gill eases it to long on for a single.

Brijesh Sharma to Shubman Gill, FOUR! A bit streaky! Brijesh Sharma sees the batter back away and bowls a fine yorker, on middle. Shubman Gill hurriedly drops his bat down to save the ball from going into the stumps. Gets lucky as the ball catches the toe-end and races past the keeper to the third man fence for a boundary.

Another expensive over from Jofra Archer. Brijesh Sharma (1-0-11-0) is back with a change of ends.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Short of a length and on off, Shubman Gill runs it down to deep third for one more. Archer has gone for 33 in his first two overs!

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Powered away! Overpitched and on off, right in the hitting arc. Shubman Gill, with a high backlift, gets under it and thumps it over the bowler's head for four more runs.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Good length and on middle and leg, Shubman Gill pats it back to the bowler.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, SIX! Makes it look easy! Much fuller and on off, Shubman Gill shows the full face of his bat and plays just a check drive. Once again, the timing is so good, the ball sails over the long off fence for a biggie.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Swing and a miss! Hard-length delivery, just outside the off stump, skids through a bit. Shubman Gill has a big heave across the line but fails to connect.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, FOUR! Nicely played! Back of a length and around off, Shubman Gill makes room, gets on top of the bounce and just taps on the head of the ball. He times it incredibly well as the ball races through covers for a boundary.

The Royals are leaking runs at an alarming rate. Testing times for the captain. Yashasvi Jaiswal brings back Jofra Archer, who conceded 18 runs in his first over.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! That's just a gift! Short and down the leg side, begging to be put away. Sai Sudharsan makes no mistake and hooks it over short fine for a boundary to end the over. 50 UP FOR GT.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, SIX! PUNISHED! Tushar Deshpande bangs this into the pitch, on middle, but not short enough to trouble the batter. Sai Sudharsan pounces on it in a flash and nails the pull shot over deep square leg for a biggie.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Another low full toss, on middle, Sai Sudharsan tucks it to mid-wicket.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Massive shout for LBW, but the umpire is unmoved! Tushar Deshpande gets the yorker right this time, on middle and leg. Sai Sudharsan looks to clip it away but misses as the ball goes past the bat to hit the front pad before deflecting towards point. Deshpande looks very interested, and Yashasvi Jaiswal takes the review here. UltraEdge confirms no bat involved but Ball Tracking shows the ball is pitching outside leg. RR lose a review.

Tushar Deshpande to Shubman Gill, A low full toss, on off, Shubman Gill drills it to extra cover for a quick single.

Tushar Deshpande to Shubman Gill, FOUR! The GT skipper gets in on the act now! Short of a length and around middle and leg, Shubman Gill backs away to create some room and laces the cut through point for his first boundary.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, On a length and on middle, Sai Sudharsan nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, SIX! Sweetly timed! Pace-off delivery, full and on middle and leg. Sai Sudharsan picks it up early, waits for it before whipping it with the flick of his wrists over the wide long on fence for a biggie.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, Across off, on a good length, punched on the up but straight to extra cover.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Easy pickings! Low full toss, down the leg side, slower as well. Sai Sudharsan is not going to miss out on that and helps it past the fielder at short fine leg for a boundary.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, Sharp fielding! Touch fuller and on middle, Sai Sudharsan drives it firmly with a straight bat down the pitch. Brijesh Sharma sticks out his right hand on the follow-through and saves a certain boundary.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! The extras continue! Good length but angling down the leg side, Sai Sudharsan fails to get any bat on it.

Brijesh Sharma to Sai Sudharsan, Fuller and on middle, angling in, Sai Sudharsan takes a couple of steps out and tucks it to short mid-wicket.

Take two for Jofra Archer?  Nope, not right now. Brijesh Sharma comes on as the first change instead. The camera pans to Archer, who is still muttering something to himself.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Full again and on middle, shapes in a touch, Sai Sudharsan works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for one.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Overpitched delivery, on middle, Sai Sudharsan drills it hard but straight to mid on.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! Fine shot! Back of a length and just around off, angling away. Sai Sudharsan rises with the bounce and punches it with sweet timing between cover and cover-point for a boundary.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! On a length but down the leg side, Sai Sudharsan tries to swipe it away but fails to connect. Another wide called. The extras are creeping in from the Royals.

Tushar Deshpande to Shubman Gill, Right in the blockhole, outside off, shapes away in the air, Shubman Gill jams it out towards cover for a run.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Short of a length and around off, Sai Sudharsan dabs it through backward point for a single.

Tushar Deshpande to Sai Sudharsan, Tushar Deshpande begins with a hard-length delivery, on middle, nips back in, Sai Sudharsan gets tucked up and misses his flick to get hit on the pads.

The first over took close to 10 minutes to be completed. Tushar Deshpande to operate from the other end. Words of comfort on the sidelines for Jofra Archer from RR head coach, Kumar Sangakkara. Archer looks quite animated out there.

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, Overthrow! This will only add to the frustration of Jofra Archer. Touch fuller and on off, Sai Sudharsan strides out and drives it firmly but straight to extra cover. Dhruv Jurel ​​​​​​loses sight of the ball in the lights as the throw comes in, and the ball bounces past him. That allows the batters to cross over for one as the ball rolls towards deep fine leg. 18 runs off the first over!

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, Uppish but safe! Archer pulls his length back a bit, on off, holds its line, Sai Sudharsan looks to clip it across the line but closes the bat face early. It takes the leading edge and lobs just over the extra cover fielder for a couple of runs.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Fuller and on middle, shapes in, Shubman Gill steps across and flicks it to deep square leg for a run. 15 runs already from the over with a couple of balls still to go.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, Finally, nails the yorker, just around off, the ball goes behind even before Shubman Gill can get his bat down.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Jofra Archer is really struggling with his lines here! Pitched up on middle, shaping down the leg side, Shubman Gill lets it go. Free Hit continues.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, WIDE! Tries the slower one, but spills it down the leg side again. Shubman Gill misses his flick.

Jofra Archer to Shubman Gill, FIVE WIDES! More free runs for GT! Jofra Archer clicks around 145 kph, but serves this full and down the leg side. Shubman Gill fails to glance it away. The ball keeps swinging in behind the stumps and beats the dive of Dhruv Jurel to his left for a boundary.

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, Good length and around off, Sai Sudharsan opens the face of his bat and guides it towards backward point. The fielder gets low but fumbles, allowing a single. Uh..oh! The siren goes off, which means Archer has overstepped here. No Ball called. Free Hit up next...

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, Comes around the wicket, does Archer, hits the length hard, on middle and off, Sai Sudharsan dabs it down towards backward point.

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, WIDE! Back of a length and outside off at 142.2 kph, takes off a bit, Sai Sudharsan has a slash at it but gets beaten by the extra bounce. It is closer to the tramline, and the umpire calls it a wide.

Jofra Archer to Sai Sudharsan, FOUR! GT and Sai Sudharsan are underway in style! Jofra Archer starts with a short-of-a-length delivery, outside off. Sai Sudharsan gets the chance to free his arms, stands on his toes and crunches it over point for the first boundary of the game.

We are all set to get going. Yashasvi Jaiswal has gathered his men in a huddle. The Men in Pink disperse from the huddle and take their respective positions on the field. Out walk the ever-reliant GT opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. Jofra Archer will start the attack for the home side. Sudharsan to take strike. A solitary slip in place in the form of Donovan Ferreira. Let's play...

Pink Promise - Tonight, the Rajasthan Royals will don their special all-pink jersey as part of their annual 'Pink Promise' initiative. Chosen through a nationwide contest, the winning jersey design was created by 19-year-old Samiksha Rameshwar Mundada from Nashik. Now into its third year, the initiative is a campaign led by the Royal Rajasthan Foundation aimed at driving women-led transformation across rural Rajasthan. As part of this year's campaign, for every six hit during tonight's game, RR have pledged to light up six homes with solar energy. The special jersey also carries the names of women grassroots leaders supported by the Royal Rajasthan Foundation.

Impact sub options for GT - Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Sai Kishore and Kumar Kushagra.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj.

Impact sub options for RR - Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Adam Milne, Ravi Singh, Ravi Bishnoi and Sushant Mishra.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Shimron Hetmyer (In for Riyan Parag), Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka (In for Nandre Burger), Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, Brijesh Sharma and Yash Punja (In for Ravi Bishnoi).

The captain of the Gujarat Titans - Shubman Gill says they would have bowled first as well. He confirms that Prasidh Krishna comes into the side in place of Manav Suthar. Gill also speaks about the importance of revisiting the team's strengths and reflecting on what has brought them success this season. Gill mentions that the side went back and focused on the small details ahead of this crucial phase of the tournament. On the approach with the bat, Gill says they will assess how the first couple of overs play and then identify what could be a par score on the surface, before aiming to push 10-15 runs beyond that mark to give the bowlers that extra cushion.

The skipper of the Rajasthan Royals - Yashasvi Jaiswal says that the wicket looks pretty good and they want to chase. Adds that Parag pulled his hamstring in the last game, but he will be back soon. Says that he is really excited and looking forward to the game. Informs that Shimron Hetmyer and Yash Punja come into the team.

TOSS - No Riyan Parag tonight for the Rajasthan Royals. Yashasvi Jaiswal is all kitted up and has walked out to the middle. Shubman Gill calls 'Tails', but it has come down as a Head. Rajasthan Royals opt to BOWL first.

Let's hear from the home side - On hitting sixes in the death overs, Donovan Ferreira cheekily says that it might have been hitting the middle of his bat or they are sending him good bats. He says that it is working out nicely for him and he feels refreshed and recharged after the break, and hopes to hit a few more in this game. Ferreira mentions that it is kind of his role to take responsibility in the middle order if the top order doesn't fire. He has been signed for the role, and it is coming off for him, but when it doesn't, it doesn't look great. He hopes to continue his good form. Donovan says that playing the full season has been his motivation in the IPL, as in the first three years, he carried a lot of drinks. In other leagues, he tries to find specific motivation for that tournament, which he feels is very important.

A quick word with Jos Buttler - Jos says there have not been any massive changes within the setup and credits GT's bowling performances as one of the biggest reasons behind their recent run of form. Mentions that the bowlers have consistently taken wickets and restricted opposition well, which has been a huge plus for the side.  Buttler points out that the team has had a short break of 5-6 days since the last game and knows the importance of tonight's clash against the Royals. Speaking about facing his former franchise, Jos says there is no extra motivation as such because the aim is to win every game. Having spent some very good seasons with RR and with the tournament entering the business end, Jos acknowledges these are massive two points for whichever side comes out on top. On what motivates him at this stage of his career, Buttler says it is all about being competitive, winning games and enjoying cricket. The Englishman feels this phase of his career is about enjoying the competition, investing in the team environment and sharing his experience with younger players coming through. Admits that during the World Cup, he was perhaps trying too hard and trying to be too perfect by controlling things beyond his reach. Buttler says the break from the game helped him reset mentally, and returning to the IPL allowed him to get back to basics. Adds that he worked hard on his setup during practice and allowed the rest of his game to flow naturally from there.

No Riyan Parag tonight? That is the murmur going around, and Yashasvi Jaiswal could captain the Royals tonight in the absence of Riyan. In the last game against DC before RR headed into the break, Parag had limped off the field with a hamstring injury. When asked about it after the game, he sounded optimistic that the break would help and that he would be fine. With the toss not far away, we shall have our answer soon.

PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik and Simon Katich are pitchside to assess the conditions. Kartik mentions that this is pitch number 6, with the square boundaries measuring 68 metres and 63 metres respectively, while it is 75 metres straight down the ground. He also notes there is a breeze blowing across the ground, which is expected to stay throughout the night. Katich feels there are plenty of runs in the wicket. He points out that there is a good and even covering of grass on the surface and, more importantly, that it looks rock hard underneath. Since 2025, the average first-innings score at the venue has been 205. In the 9 games played at this venue since 2025, 6 have been won by the side batting second. Murali observes some straw-coloured, tufty grass on the surface and asks Simon whether it could have any say in the conditions. Katich responds by pointing out a bare patch at one end, which could make the wicket slightly two-paced at times. With the rest of the pitch having an even grass covering and the surface being rock hard, Simon expects the ball to come on nicely to the bat overall.

Titans' pace battery - Gujarat Titans have built their resurgence on an unlikely foundation - raw pace. Their pace unit has taken the most wickets (57) of any team in IPL 2026, with the best bowling strike rate (15.7). Kagiso Rabada leads the charge with 16 wickets, while Mohammed Siraj has been miserly with an economy of just 8.0, the third-best in IPL 2026. Jason Holder announced himself with a career-best 4/24 in the last game, his best figures in IPL history. Their batting, however, remains a work in progress. Washington Sundar has contributed 46 per cent of the runs from Nos. 4-7, his most productive IPL season yet. Sai Sudharsan averages 48.6 as an opener, but Jos Buttler has been inconsistent, and Shubman Gill is still finding rhythm. In Jaipur, where the average first-innings score is over 200, the Titans' bowlers will need to be at their absolute best. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Royals' batting brigade - Rajasthan Royals have finally found what was missing in previous seasons, a batting lineup with genuine depth. The revelation has been Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who has smashed over 400 runs at a strike rate well above 200, dominating the Powerplay like few others in IPL history. Alongside him, Yashasvi Jaiswal provides stability, while Riyan Parag has rediscovered his best. Riyan has the second-most runs at No. 4 in IPL since 2024, and his 90 off 50 balls in the last game was a reminder of his match-winning ability. Dhruv Jurel has excelled since moving to No. 3, averaging over 30 at a strike rate of 151. And then there's Donovan Ferreira, the South African finisher, who has scored the second-most runs at No. 5 or lower this season, with 16 sixes to his name. With Jofra Archer leading a pace attack that always threatens with the new ball, the Royals have the weapons. They now need consistency.

Jaipur braces for a thriller - The Sawai Mansingh Stadium lights up for a clash that has quietly become one of the IPL's fiercest rivalries. It's Match 52 of IPL 2026, and the Rajasthan Royals are hosting the Gujarat Titans in a rematch of their season-opening thriller, which Rajasthan won by just 6 runs in Ahmedabad. Since then, both teams have travelled very different paths. Gujarat have surged to 5th place with three straight wins, while Rajasthan have stuttered, losing three of their last five. But the head-to-head history at this ground tells a different story, and with playoff spots tightening, this is more than just a revenge game. Welcome, cricket fans, to the pink city. The pitch is ready, the crowd is roaring, and Jaipur is set for fireworks.

... MATCH DAY ...

Battle of the neighbours - The final fortnight of the IPL 2026 league stage is here, and the race for the top four is getting messier, louder, and a whole lot more exciting. Nobody said it would be easy, and nobody lied. This is the toughest league in world cricket for a reason. They say it doesn't matter how you start, it matters how you finish. The teams sitting pretty at the top would do well to glance at their rearview mirror right now, because what they see is not pretty. The chasing pack is closing in fast, headlights blazing, and there is no sign of them hitting the brakes anytime soon. Jaipur is ready. The Pink City plays host to match number 52 of the season, and what a match it promises to be. Fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals versus fifth-placed Gujarat Titans, right here at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. This one has all the ingredients of a proper humdinger. Lose here, and it is not just two points that go out the window. It is your spot in the top four that starts slipping away in that very same rearview mirror. The importance of two points - If there’s one team that understands the value of two points, it is the Rajasthan Royals. They came out of the blocks like a team on a mission. Four wins on the trot to start the season, but what has followed since then is a different story altogether, and not a pleasant one. Two wins from their last six. No back-to-back victories to speak of. The momentum they built in those early weeks has quietly leaked away, and the table tells you exactly where that leaves them. Fourth place, yes, but hanging by a thread, literally. And here is what makes their situation even more delicate. It is not just about form. It is about time, or rather, the lack of it. Rajasthan are playing just two matches across a span of two weeks. They have come into this game off a week's break, and after this, another similar break awaits them. That is a brutal schedule for a team that desperately needs rhythm and momentum. So winning this one is just so very crucial for them. Peaking at the right time - This is exactly the mantra the Titans would be living by right now. Unlike the Royals, they have won four of their last six and the momentum in their camp is very real, very positive. And if you look closely at their journey through this season, there is a pattern that almost writes itself. Two defeats to start, a hat trick of wins to find their feet, two defeats again to keep them honest, and then another three wins on the trot to make a statement comeback. They are a side that loves to chase, and the numbers back it up. Five of their six wins this season have come while hunting down targets. But memory is a funny thing, and the Titans would do well to remember that it was Rajasthan who put a stop to one of those chases earlier this season in Ahmedabad, when a target of 211 proved too close yet so far. Over-dependency on the top order? Both sides carry a similar vulnerability into this contest, and it sits right at the top of their batting order. The numbers make it plain. RR average 46 for their opening partnership this season, whereas Gujarat averages 48. Very little to separate them on paper, and very little to separate the risk that comes with it. For Rajasthan, the story begins and often ends with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. When those two fire, RR fire. The good news for them is that the pair have been remarkably consistent. In ten matches so far, only twice has their opening stand been broken in single digits. For Gujarat, the formula is no secret anymore. The whole cricketing world has figured it out. Get their top three early - Gill, Sudharsan, Buttler - and the middle order can be exposed. That tells you everything about how important and how reliable the top order has been in setting the tone upfront for these two teams. Mending the middle-order cracks But it is not all doom and gloom for Rajasthan in the middle order. There are green shoots, and they are appearing at just the right time. Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel finding form is a significant boost, especially after the skipper endured a difficult run with the bat. The captain’s knock of 90 off 50 balls, even in a losing cause, was a reminder of the stability Parag brings to the batting order, something that had been sorely missing. Further down, Donovan Ferreira has shown he can be a genuine match-winner, producing some truly impactful knocks when the team has needed them most. And the contributions of Ravindra Jadeja and Shubham Dubey have not gone unnoticed either. For the Titans, a similar story is unfolding. Jason Holder has not only added a healthy bowling option but also the kind of finishing ability that can change a game on its head. Nishant Sindhu further brings that calmness in the order and they would likely stick with this option. Washington Sundar showed his worth against PBKS, guiding GT home with a knock that had maturity written all over it. And while Rahul Tewatia has not had much time in the middle, that is hardly a reason to discount him. The pieces are finding their places, and the Titans would hope they lock in sooner rather than later. Cranking up the heat - Some of the most fearsome pacers in the tournament will share the same field. Kagiso Rabada leads the wicket-takers chart for Gujarat with 16 scalps, but Jofra Archer is breathing down his neck with 15 of his own for Rajasthan. And then there is Mohammed Siraj, who has been absolutely relentless in the Powerplay. He and Rabada, bowling in tandem during the first six overs, have made life very difficult for opposition batters, keeping them tied up and under pressure more often than not. The proof is in the numbers. Gujarat have picked up 18 Powerplay wickets this season. And their rivals are no different either. With the Archer and Burger setting the tone upfront with searing pace, the Royals have gone just one better, snapping up 19 wickets in the same phase. And the parity does not stop at pace. Two of the most deceptive leg spinners in this tournament, Ravi Bishnoi and Rashid Khan, have been equally effective for their respective sides. Different in their art, but identical in their returns. With 11 wickets each so far, they bring a whole lot of trouble for anyone who faces them. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, recent first) RR - LWLWL | GT - WWWLL. What to expect? Jaipur is a huge ground, but do not let that fool you. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been a run fest this season. In two games played here so far, Rajasthan have batted first on both occasions, posted in excess of 225 each time, and still walked away empty-handed. If that tells you anything, it is that no score is safe here, and no chase is too big. The numbers elsewhere do not make for comfortable reading for the Royals either. The overall head-to-head between the two sides reads 6-3 in favour of the Titans. And right here in Jaipur, Gujarat have won two of the three meetings. For a team that calls this ground home, that is a fortress that has seen a few too many breaches. Rajasthan have lost seven of their last ten games here, with their only solace being that their last win at this venue did come against GT, last year. But records are made to be broken, and the Royals will be desperate to write a new one.