3 things Gujarat Titans need to fix against RR in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026

GT and RR have faced each other twice in the IPL 2026 league stage, with each team winning a game.

After finishing second in the points table, the Gujarat Titans (GT) faced defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2026.

While the match was expected to be a close encounter, it turned out to be a one-sided fixture as Gujarat’s batting order collapsed against the likes of Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Dar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Having learnt a few things from the last game, the 2022 champions will aim to bounce back against the Rajasthan Royals (RR), who stunned the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Eliminator.

Thus, without further ado, let’s take a look at the three things the Gujarat Titans need to fix against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026.

3. Bowling discipline in the middle overs

Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit has been their biggest strength in the ongoing IPL campaign. However, in the match against the defending champions, they gave away a few loose deliveries, allowing RCB to post a mammoth total of 254 runs. Additionally, they will also be required to limit extra runs.

At the same time, Gujarat bowlers have taken 31 wickets this season, which is a commendable record. Kagiso Rabada has taken the most, 26 wickets.

Currently, he is competing with Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the Purple Cap, while the likes of Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Jason Holder, and Prasidh Krishna have each taken 15 or more wickets.

2. Middle order and finishers have to perform

GT need to fix their middle order and align their finishers ahead of Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have been leading Gujarat’s batting department in IPL 2026. Jos Buttler has also scored 498 runs, followed by Washington Sundar, who has 311 runs.

Other than these four, no other player has scored more than 200 runs for the Titans this season, which has been an issue for the side, and it was highlighted during their loss against RCB.

While GT’s whole batting order collapsed against RCB, Rahul Tewatia scored his first fifty of the season. However, Tewatia’s bat has remained silent for the majority of the campaign.

He has scored only 166 runs in 13 innings for GT this season. GT have also tried to make changes and secure a reliable finisher; however, their efforts have been in vain.

1. High strike rate of openers

Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have been the batting pillars for the Gujarat Titans this season. However, both have strike rates below 160. While Sudharsan has scored 652 runs in 15 matches with a strike rate of 157, Gill has racked up 618 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 159.

Both batsmen take time to settle down in the initial overs. However, the powerplay overs are crucial for the team to set up a big total. Thus, Gujarat’s opening duo would need to give an explosive start without losing early wickets. In the quest, they can also get the help of former RR batter Jos Buttler.

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