The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 witnessed another controversy during the toss ahead of the crucial clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh.
During the toss ceremony, presenter Ravi Shastri handed the coin to Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill. Gill tossed the coin while Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag called ‘heads’, but the coin came down as tails. However, the call was reportedly not loud enough for match referee Prakash Bhatt to hear clearly. The coin eventually landed on tails, but the officials decided that the toss would have to be conducted again due to the unclear call from Parag.
The decision did not go down well with Gill, who appeared visibly unhappy with the situation. On the second attempt, Gill tossed the coin again, and this time the toss went in favour of Rajasthan Royals. Parag opted to bat first in the high-pressure encounter.
Coming into the match, GT were looking to bounce back after their defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, RR entered the contest with confidence following their Eliminator victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur. Rajasthan Royals retained the same playing XI, while Gujarat Titans made one change, bringing in Sai Kishore in place of Kulwant Khejroliya.
“We are going to bat first. Pretty much the same wicket. I just feel at the back end, it slows down a bit. We have the bowlers to exploit it. We have had those games for the last three games. Everyone wants the win. The messaging is simple. We have to play good cricket for 40 overs. Whichever team plays good cricket, wins. Everyone is hanging by a thread. I’m especially hanging by a thread. Everything is been done for the team. Now, it’s game time. No matter who has an injury or not, we have to give our best. Same team,” said Parag at the toss.
“We would have batted first. 40 overs of play has already happened. I don’t think it would change much. Unfortunately, I don’t think the referee heard the call from Riyan. There is everything to play for. It is a ‘now or never’ situation. One change: Sai (Kishore) comes back,” said Gill.
