Synopsis
Rajasthan Royals clinched a thrilling six-run win against Gujarat Titans. A strategic bowling change in the death overs proved decisive. Tushar Deshpande defended a low total in the final over. Ravi Bishnoi’s four wickets earlier set up the victory. This win propels Rajasthan Royals to the top of the IPL 2026 table. Gujarat Titans face their second consecutive loss.
Rajasthan Royals secured a narrow six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash on Saturday, with captain Riyan Parag crediting a key tactical decision involving Dhruv Jurel, Jofra Archer and Tushar Deshpande for turning the match in their favour at the death.
The turning point came in the closing stages when Jurel suggested bringing Archer back for the 19th over, a move that helped Rajasthan Royals regain control of the contest. In the final over, Tushar Deshpande held his nerve under pressure, conceding only four runs and taking the crucial wicket of Rashid Khan, as Gujarat Titans fell short of the 11-run target in the last over despite a late 43-run stand between Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.
Gujarat Titans had stayed in the hunt through a fighting effort from Sai Sudharsan, but Rajasthan Royals’ bowling depth ultimately proved decisive. Ravi Bishnoi’s four-wicket haul earlier in the innings set up the platform for the win.