Match Overview — GT vs RR, IPL 2026 Match 9 | RR vs GT standings.

The 9th match of IPL 2026 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 4, 2026 turned out to be one of the most gripping T20 encounters of the season. In a game that had everything — power-hitting, spin brilliance, a middle-order collapse, and a white-knuckle final over — Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious by just six runs, sparking wild celebrations in the visitors’ dugout.

RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bat first, a brave call at the Narendra Modi Stadium where dew typically favours the side batting second. However, two inspired batting performances and one legendary death-bowling spell later, the Royals had cemented back-to-back wins and climbed to the summit of the IPL 2026 points table.

Full Scorecard Summary

RR Batting Highlights

GT Bowling Highlights

GT Chase Highlights

RR Bowling Highlights

IPL 2026 Points Table & Standings (As of April 5, 2026)

Following Rajasthan Royals’ six-run triumph over Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2026 points table has seen a significant reshuffle right at the top. With two wins from two games, RR now occupy first place on the table, level on points with Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings but holding a superior Net Run Rate (NRR).

Rajasthan Royals Batting — How They Built 210

Riyan Parag’s decision to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium raised a few eyebrows, but his openers quickly silenced any doubters. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi — arguably the most explosive opening pair in IPL 2026 — combined for a partnership of 70 runs in just 6.2 overs, setting a blazing early tempo.

Jaiswal’s 55 off 36 balls was a masterclass in aggressive elegance, featuring six boundaries and three maximums before Kagiso Rabada removed him. Sooryavanshi, still in the early stages of what promises to be a stellar IPL career, contributed a brisk 31 off 18 balls.

The innings then shifted into another gear entirely thanks to Dhruv Jurel, promoted to number three in the batting order. Jurel played what many are calling one of the finest IPL knocks of the season — an unbeaten 75 off just 42 balls, loaded with five fours and five sixes, at a strike rate of 178.57. He paced his innings to perfection, accelerating when it mattered most in the death overs. Cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and Ravindra Jadeja ensured Rajasthan crossed the 200-run barrier, finishing at 210 for 6 — a total that ultimately proved just enough in a match that went to the very last ball.

Gujarat Titans Chase — So Close, Yet So Far

Chasing 211 on an Ahmedabad surface known for its batting-friendly conditions, Gujarat Titans were dealt a significant blow before a ball was even bowled. Captain Shubman Gill was ruled out with muscle spasms, with Rashid Khan stepping in as stand-in captain and Kumar Kushagra filling the top-order slot.

Despite this setback, GT’s openers came out blazing. B Sai Sudharsan and Kushagra posted an opening stand of 78 in just eight overs, with the powerplay going at over nine runs per over. Sudharsan, who has been in imperious form in 2026, continued his fine run with a superb 73 off 44 balls, studded with nine fours and three sixes.

However, the entry of Ravi Bishnoi changed the game completely. The leg-spinner went on to dismantle the GT middle order, picking up four wickets in his four overs — dismissing Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips, Washington Sundar, and the dangerous Rahul Tewatia. Bishnoi’s stunning figures of 4 for 41 triggered a collapse that saw GT lose six wickets for roughly 30 runs, throwing away a seemingly routine chase.

Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada then mounted a dramatic last-ditch effort, reducing the equation to just 15 off the final 12 deliveries. GT needed 11 off the last over. Parag handed the ball to Tushar Deshpande. What followed was a bowling masterclass under pressure — Deshpande conceded only four runs, took Rashid’s wicket on the penultimate ball (caught brilliantly by Jofra Archer at deep point), and sealed the win with a clinical yorker to the tailender on the last delivery. The final margin: six runs.

Key Performers of the Match

RR vs GT Head-to-Head Record in IPL

The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans may not have the longest history — GT only entered the IPL in 2022 — but it has already produced several memorable clashes. Historically, Gujarat Titans have dominated this matchup quite comfortably.

Despite GT’s historical dominance, RR’s 2026 win narrows the gap and signals a shift in momentum. Notably, GT won the IPL title in 2022 and 2023, making them one of the most successful franchises of the modern era. Rajasthan Royals, who won the inaugural 2008 edition, are trying to end an 18-year wait for their second crown.

Playoff Picture — What This Win Means for RR & GT

Rajasthan Royals — Momentum Builders

Two wins from two games is about as perfect a start as any IPL franchise could hope for. More importantly for Rajasthan Royals, the nature of both victories — first against CSK and now this six-run thriller — suggests a well-rounded squad capable of winning in multiple ways. Riyan Parag is showing genuine leadership qualities, the opening combination of Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi is as destructive as any in the world, and the bowling attack has depth in both pace and spin.

A 100% win record after the first two matches is not a guarantee of playoff qualification — teams have stumbled from strong starts before — but it gives RR a fantastic buffer and a psychological advantage going into the rest of the tournament.

Gujarat Titans — Early Alarm Bells

For Gujarat Titans, losing both opening matches is far from ideal. Captain Shubman Gill’s injury concern adds another layer of anxiety to an already difficult situation. The absence of Gill — who is GT’s heartbeat at the top of the order — was keenly felt in the Ahmedabad chase. Without a settled captain and top-order anchor, GT’s middle order looks fragile, as proven by their collapse from a strong position.

GT’s biggest strength — their bowling attack featuring Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj — remains formidable, but they will need to iron out their batting fragility quickly if they are to mount a serious challenge for a playoff berth. Ten teams playing a round-robin format means there is plenty of time to recover, but every point dropped now will matter later.

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