In one of the most gripping contests of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals edged out Gujarat Titans by just 6 runs in Match 9 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Dhruv Jurel’s explosive 75 off 42 balls powered RR to 210, before Ravi Bishnoi’s stunning four-wicket haul derailed GT’s chase.
Sai Sudharsan’s brilliant 73 and a late blitz from Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada brought GT agonisingly close, but Tushar Deshpande held his nerve in a dramatic final over to seal a memorable win for the Royals.
Jurel Powers Rajasthan to 210
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave Rajasthan a flying start, smashing 69 runs in the powerplay before Rashid Khan broke the stand, removing Sooryavanshi for a well-made 31.
Jaiswal continued fluently to bring up his fifty before Kagiso Rabada bowled him for 55. The innings then belonged to Dhruv Jurel, who started watchfully before accelerating brilliantly. He smashed five fours and five sixes in a 42-ball 75, lifting Rajasthan to a commanding 210 for 6.
Sudharsan Keeps GT in the Hunt
Shubman Gill’s absence was felt immediately as GT needed someone to step up, and Sai Sudharsan did exactly that.
He played a stunning knock of 73 off 44 balls alongside Kumar Kushagra, who contributed 18 before being dismissed by a brilliant boundary catch from Shimron Hetmyer off Riyan Parag. GT looked well-placed at 127 for 2, but Ravi Bishnoi changed everything.
Bishnoi’s Four-Wicket Burst Changes the Game
Brought on in the 11th over, Ravi Bishnoi was unplayable, taking four wickets in a devastating spell including the prized scalps of Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia.
GT collapsed from 127 for 2 to 161 for 7 in the space of a few overs, leaving the tail to do the impossible.
Rashid and Rabada Give GT Hope Before Deshpande Delivers
Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada mounted a thrilling last-ditch partnership, bringing GT to within touching distance.
Needing 11 off the final over, Parag handed the ball to Tushar Deshpande, who nailed his yorkers brilliantly and held his nerve to deny GT, finishing the match with GT stranded on 204 for 8.
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Key Performers at a Glance
| Player | Team | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Dhruv Jurel | RR | 75 (42) 5×4, 5×6 |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | 55 (36) 6×4, 3×6 |
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | RR | 31 (18) 5×4, 1×6 |
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | 73 (44) 9×4, 3×6 |
| Rashid Khan | GT | 24 (16) 3×4 |
| Kagiso Rabada | GT | 23 (16) 2×6 |
| Ravi Bishnoi | RR | 4/41 (4 overs) |
| Tushar Deshpande | RR | 1/24 (3 overs) |
