GT vs RR Qualifier 2: Who Wins IPL 2026 Clash? Match Prediction

Qualifier 2 is where the IPL trophy feels as close as it can be touched. A team reaches the final. A team sees a dream disappear after months of hard work. This is the scenario that will be witnessed between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals in the match to be played at the Maharaja Yadvinder Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday evening.

Both the teams have enjoyed impressive campaigns during IPL 2026. Gujarat Titans finished with nine wins and five losses during the league stage, while Rajasthan Royals won eight out of fourteen matches. On paper, there is very little that separates these two teams. Both the teams have explosive batting units at the top and bowling attacks that are capable of changing games quickly.

Gujarat Titans have built their season around the consistency of Sai Sudarshan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler. The top-order trio has shouldered a huge scoring burden throughout the tournament. With the ball, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj, Prasad Krishna, Jason Holder and Rashid Khan have provided repeated breakthroughs during crucial moments.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have developed their fearless identity in the second half of the season. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has emerged as one of the breakout stars of IPL 2026, while Yashasvi Jaiswal has consistently dominated the attacks during the powerplay overs. Jofra Archer has been Rajasthan’s biggest weapon with the ball. Along with him, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Ravindra Jadeja and Brijesh Sharma have provided vital support at various stages of the innings.

Historically, Gujarat Titans have dominated this rivalry. The two teams have faced each other ten times in the history of IPL with Gujarat winning seven matches and Rajasthan winning three. However, both teams have won one match each during IPL 2026.

GT Look To Recover From Qualifier 1 Collapse

Gujarat Titans produced one of the most balanced campaigns during the IPL 2026 league stage and comfortably finished in the top-two. Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat consistently controlled matches through disciplined bowling and reliable top-order batting.

However, Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bangalore exposed the weaknesses that had been hidden for much of the season. RCB scored 254 runs batting first in Dharamsala and every Gujarat bowler conceded runs at an economy rate above nine.

The chase quickly collapsed as Gujarat’s top order has rarely failed this season. Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a 43-ball 68, but the damage was already done as Gujarat suffered a crushing 92-run defeat.

The advantage of being in the top-two now gives Gujarat another chance to reach the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad. Everything once again depends on the performances of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudarshan and Jos Buttler. If Gujarat’s top order survives in the opening overs, they will be one of the most dangerous teams left in the tournament.

RR Continue Their Fearless Run

Rajasthan Royals have entertained fans with their aggressive cricket throughout the season. Despite Sanju Samson leaving the team before the tournament, Riyan Parag took over the reins and guided Rajasthan to the playoffs after a crucial win over Mumbai Indians in the final league-stage match.

Their momentum picked up during the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Mullanpur. Vaibhav Suryavanshi completely dismantled the SRH bowling attack, scoring 97 runs off just 29 balls and crossing the boundary rope twelve times.

Dhruv Jurel then scored a vital half-century as Rajasthan Royals posted a mammoth score of 243 for 8. Then came Jofra Archer’s magic with the new ball. Archer demolished Hyderabad’s top order and ensured that SRH never seriously challenged the target.

Rajasthan Royals are waiting for their second IPL title after winning the first edition in 2008. Their aggressive approach has brought them within touching distance of another final.

GT vs RR: Head-to-Head

GT and RR faced each other 10 times in the whole IPL history. Gujarat Titans gains strong advantage with 7 wins, while Rajasthan Royals have won a mere 3 matches.

Watch GT vs RR IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 match: Live Stream, TV Channel

• Date: Friday, 29 May
• Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium, Mullanpur
• Time: 7:30 PM (IST)
• TV/Stream: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

GT vs RR Odds: Who is the favorite for the IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 clash?

• RR to win: 1.85
• GT to win: 1.95

Pitch Report of Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium

The Mullanpur pitch looks like one of those dangerous IPL surfaces where bowlers can only survive if they are brave enough to attack. The wicket has good pace, good bounce and enough grass to keep the fast bowlers interested during the first few overs. Pacers with the new ball will get the momentum and extra carries, making the powerplay extremely important.

But once the shine wears off, the mood of the pitch changes completely. The ball starts coming beautifully to the bat and the stroke makers can dominate the game. The spinners may get some grip in the middle overs, but this is not a surface where spin will control the match. With the average first innings score touching 214 in IPL 2026, another run-fest awaits at Mullanpur.

Toss Prediction

Any captain who wins the toss will want to bowl first without thinking twice. This is no longer a league-stage experiment. This is a knockout battle with a place in the IPL final at stake. In such pressured matches, chasing always feels safe because teams know exactly what they are hunting. With fog expected late in the night and the pitch getting better for batting as the game progresses, both captains will happily take the chase route.

Read More: Rajat Patidar Hits Most Sixes In T20 Series As Captain

Predicted Playing XI

Gujarat Titans Predicted Playing XI:

Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Kulwant Khejroliya.

Impact Player: Nishant Sindhu

Rajasthan Royals Predicted Playing XI:

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Riyan Parag (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Donovan Ferreira, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Nandre Burger, Yash Raj Punja.

Impact Player: Brijesh Sharma