The Rajasthan Royals edged past the Gujarat Titans by six runs in Match 9 of the Indian Premier League 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in a high-scoring thriller.
Asked to bat first, RR posted an imposing 210/6 in 20 overs, as Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge with a fluent 55, while Dhruv Jurel played a decisive hand with a brilliant 75 off 42 balls. Contributions through the middle ensured RR maintained a strong scoring rate throughout the innings.
In response, GT mounted a strong chase, powered by Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 73 off 44 balls. However, they kept losing wickets at crucial moments. Ravi Bishnoi turned the game on its head with a match-defining spell, finishing with 4/41, including a crucial double strike in the 13th over that stalled the chase.
[WATCH] Bishnoi’s double-wicket over shifts momentum to RR
Despite a late push from Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, GT fell short at 204/8, as RR held their nerve to seal a thrilling victory.
Talking Points
1) RR’s top-order in top form
The Rajasthan Royals top order delivered a yet another stunning performance after being put in to bat. Yashasvi Jaiswal set the tone with a fluent 55 off 36 balls, and he was well supported by teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played a fearless knock of 31 off just 18 deliveries, keeping the momentum intact in the powerplay. The standout contribution came from Dhruv Jurel, who anchored the innings with a 75 off 42 balls. His ability to accelerate in the latter half ensured RR posted a daunting total.
2) Sai Sudharsan lone warrior for GT
For the Gujarat Titans, it was a proper one-man effort with the bat as Sai Sudharsan stood tall in this chase. The left-hander played a superb knock of 73 off 44 balls, striking nine boundaries and three sixes while trying to keep GT in the hunt. He looked in complete control and carried the chase on his shoulders. However, a lack of support from the other end meant his effort ultimately went in vain as wickets kept falling at regular intervals.
3) Ravi Bishnoi’s game-changing spell
The turning point of the match came through a sensational spell from Ravi Bishnoi, who dismantled GT’s chase with figures of 4/41. Bishnoi’s biggest impact came in the 13th over, where he picked up two crucial wickets in quick succession, completely shifting the momentum towards RR. His variations, especially the googly, proved too difficult to read, and his ability to strike at key moments ensured Gujarat never regained control of the chase.
Who said what?
Riyan Parag, RR captain
“It was just incredible. I took a challenge thinking that let’s go full and fast. It’s insane that they (Archer and Tushar) executed as we wanted. He (Dhruv Jurel) asked me to go Jofra on the 19th so credit to him for that. If it comes out it’s good, if it doesn’t we go again. We have not done a lot of justice to the talent he has got. He has to bat No. 3 and hopefully this is the start for him. We will focus on what we need to do against Mumbai.”
Rashid Khan, GT captain
“Well, I think, we bowled really well, especially the way they have started to restrict them under like, 210. I think it was a great effort on this wicket by the bowlers. And then we started really well with the bat too. I felt we have given a great start with the openers. And then I felt in the 12th and 13th overs, we lost back-to-back wickets. That’s something which really put us on the back foot. But I think, if they were there, it wasn’t that hard to score, but I think in that period of time, we just lost the momentum of the game. I think Tushar bowled really well. He bowled some exceptional yorkers. We didn’t allow us to go on, but I feel that the one ball which he missed his line length, I should have picked that for six. (on Gill) He’s good. Hopefully he’s gonna be all right for the next game. He just had the muscles spasm, so hopefully he’s gonna be all right soon.”
Ravi Bishnoi, Player of the Match
“It was a difficult season last year. When I miss my length, I get hit. I was trying to work on my lengths and if anyone hits off those, then no problem. Mental, technical and physical (effort) all together. Had to bowl a lot of balls (to keep improving). (On which was his favourite wicket) The wicket of Rahul (Tewatia). He is a player renowned for such situations. If he would not have been dismissed then, the match could have gone either way. The way Tushar bowled, the way Jofra bowled the 19th, it was a collective effort. It is a young team and we hope to continue entertaining.”
