- Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, New Chandigarh
- Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
- Format: Qualifier 2
The IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals promises to be one of the biggest matches of the season. Both teams are now just one win away from reaching the IPL 2026 Final, which increases the pressure and fantasy excitement significantly.
Gujarat Titans enter the contest with one of the most balanced squads in the tournament. Their batting lineup has been powered by Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan throughout the season, while Rashid Khan continues to lead a dangerous bowling attack capable of changing games quickly.
Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, arrive with huge momentum after eliminating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator. The fearless batting of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and the aggressive approach of Yashasvi Jaiswal have turned RR into one of the most dangerous playoff teams in IPL 2026.
The Mullanpur pitch could create an exciting battle between explosive batting and high-quality pace bowling.
1. Shubman Gill — GT’s Most Reliable Match-Winner
Why He Could Dominate
Shubman Gill has once again become the backbone of Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup during IPL 2026. His ability to control innings while maintaining an aggressive scoring rate makes him one of the safest fantasy captain options.
Gill plays pace extremely well and has shown excellent composure in pressure matches throughout the season. On the Mullanpur surface, where bounce and timing become important, his technical strength could become a massive advantage.
If Gill survives the powerplay against Archer and Boult, he could easily anchor a match-winning innings.
Fantasy Strengths
- Consistent top-order scorer
- Strong performance against pace
- Reliable fantasy floor
- Boundary-hitting ability
- Safe captaincy option
2. — RR’s Ultimate X-Factor
Why He Has Huge Fantasy Potential
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the breakout star of IPL 2026 after his explosive innings against SRH in the Eliminator. His fearless batting approach allows Rajasthan Royals to dominate the powerplay aggressively.
The young batter attacks both fast bowlers and spinners confidently, which makes him extremely dangerous on batting-friendly surfaces like Mullanpur.
If Vaibhav gets another fast start, he could completely shift momentum toward RR within the first six overs.
Fantasy Strengths
- Explosive strike rate
- Fearless powerplay batter
- Massive six-hitting ability
- High-risk, high-reward captain choice
- Excellent grand league differential
3. Rashid Khan — GT’s Biggest Bowling Threat
Why He Could Become the Game-Changer
Rashid Khan remains Gujarat Titans’ most important wicket-taking bowler in pressure matches. His ability to control middle overs while consistently picking wickets gives him enormous fantasy value.
RR’s aggressive batting lineup may look to attack Rashid early, but that approach could also create wicket opportunities.
Rashid also contributes useful lower-order runs and fielding points, making him one of the safest all-round fantasy options in this contest.
Key Fantasy Strengths
- Elite middle-over wicket taker
- Excellent economy potential
- Strong playoff experience
- Dangerous against aggressive batters
- Additional batting contributions
4. Yashasvi Jaiswal — RR’s Most Dangerous Batter
Why He Can Deliver Big Fantasy Points
Yashasvi Jaiswal continues to be Rajasthan Royals’ most reliable top-order batter. His aggressive style during the powerplay allows RR to maintain high scoring rates early in innings.
Jaiswal handles both pace and spin effectively, which becomes extremely important against GT’s balanced bowling attack.
His recent consistency makes him one of the safest vice-captain choices for fantasy contests.
Fantasy Strengths
- Aggressive powerplay scorer
- Strong boundary percentage
- Reliable 40+ run potential
- Excellent recent form
- Safe small-league pick
5. Mohammed Siraj — GT’s Powerplay Specialist
Why Siraj Could Decide the Match
Mohammed Siraj has been highly effective with the new ball throughout IPL 2026. His ability to generate movement and attack stumps makes him a dangerous option against RR’s aggressive opening batters.
The Mullanpur pitch often assists pace bowlers early under lights, which could help Siraj become a major wicket-taking threat during the powerplay.
If he dismisses Jaiswal or Vaibhav early, GT could immediately gain control of the game.
Fantasy Benefits
- New-ball wicket threat
- Strong powerplay role
- Aggressive attacking lengths
- Excellent fantasy upside
- Potential multiple-wicket spell
Differential Picks for Grand League
Sai Sudharsan
Sai Sudharsan’s consistency this season makes him a strong low-ownership fantasy option capable of anchoring big innings.
Riyan Parag
Parag’s all-round contributions with bat and occasional bowling make him a valuable grand league pick.
Dhruv Jurel
Jurel has quietly played several pressure innings this season and can collect additional wicketkeeping points.
Jofra Archer
Archer’s pace and death-over role always provide massive wicket-taking potential in playoff matches.
Best Captain Picks
- Shubman Gill
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Rashid Khan
Best Vice-Captain Picks
- Sai Sudharsan
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jofra Archer
- Riyan Parag
Players to Watch Closely
Sai Sudharsan
His calm batting approach could become extremely valuable if GT lose early wickets.
Jofra Archer
Archer’s pace and bounce may create serious problems for GT’s top order.
Riyan Parag
Parag’s finishing ability could become decisive during middle and death overs.
Rashid Khan
Rashid’s spell against RR’s attacking middle order may define the match outcome.
Suggested Fantasy Team Core
Wicketkeepers
- Dhruv Jurel
Batters
- Shubman Gill
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Sai Sudharsan
- Riyan Parag
All-Rounders
- Rashid Khan
Bowlers
- Mohammed Siraj
- Jofra Archer
- Trent Boult
- Avesh Khan
Mullanpur Pitch Report
Match Details
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh Date: May 29, 2026 Format: IPL 2026 Qualifier 2
The Mullanpur surface has generally provided balanced conditions throughout IPL 2026. Fast bowlers often receive assistance early because of bounce and movement under lights.
However, once batters settle, stroke play becomes easier because of the true bounce and quick outfield.
Spinners may receive slight assistance during middle overs if the pitch slows down, but pace bowlers are still expected to play the bigger role in this Qualifier 2 clash.
Teams chasing may receive an advantage later because of possible dew conditions.
Fantasy Strategy for Mullanpur Stadium
- Prioritize aggressive top-order batters
- Include at least two powerplay bowlers
- Death-over specialists remain extremely valuable
- Balanced fantasy teams may outperform batting-heavy combinations
- Wicketkeepers provide additional safety in fantasy contests
- All-rounders become important on balanced pitches
Probable Playing XI
Gujarat Titans
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Sai Sudharsan
- Jos Buttler
- Shahrukh Khan
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Sai Kishore
- Prasidh Krishna
Rajasthan Royals
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Riyan Parag (c)
- Dhruv Jurel (wk)
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Rovman Powell
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Jofra Archer
- Trent Boult
- Sandeep Sharma
- Avesh Khan
GT vs RR Match Prediction
Qualifier 2 could become one of the most intense playoff matches of IPL 2026 because both teams possess explosive batting lineups and experienced bowling attacks.
Gujarat Titans appear slightly stronger overall because of their balanced bowling unit and playoff experience. Rashid Khan, Siraj, and Rabada provide GT with multiple wicket-taking options capable of controlling RR’s aggressive batters.
However, Rajasthan Royals enter the match with stronger momentum after their dominant Eliminator victory. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal could completely shift the game if RR dominate the powerplay.
The contest may ultimately depend on which bowling attack handles pressure moments better.
Winning Chances
- Gujarat Titans: 54%
- Rajasthan Royals: 46%
Predicted Winner
👉 Gujarat Titans
