IPL 2026: Shubman Gill’s 43 off 18 powers GT to dominant win over RCB with 25 balls to spare | Cricket News – The Times of India
Gujarat Titans produced a composed yet hard-fought chase to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by four wickets in an IPL 2026 clash at Ahmedabad, with Jason Holder emerging as the standout performer of the night through a decisive all-round display.Holder made a massive impact in all three departments, finishing with figures of 2/29 and taking three outstanding catches that repeatedly halted RCB’s momentum. His contributions helped GT first restrict the defending champions to 155 in 19.2 overs, before they successfully chased the target in 15.5 overs.RCB’s innings had moments of early dominance, largely driven by Virat Kohli, who came out attacking from the start. Kohli smashed Kagiso Rabada for five consecutive boundaries in a blazing over and raced to 28 off just 13 balls. However, Rabada responded strongly by dismissing him, shifting the momentum back in GT’s favour.That wicket triggered a collapse in the RCB middle order. From a strong position of 71/2, they suddenly slumped to 96/6 in 10.3 overs as wickets fell in clusters. Arshad Khan played a key role in dismantling the lower order with excellent figures of 3/22, while Rashid Khan also struck at crucial moments, including the important wicket of Devdutt Padikkal, who top-scored with 40 off 24 balls.Earlier, Padikkal had held the innings together after Kohli’s departure, but RCB’s aggressive approach ultimately backfired as they failed to capitalise on their strong start and were bowled out well short of a competitive total.In response, GT came out with intent and aggression. Skipper Shubman Gill set the tone immediately, smashing a four and a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the opening over. He then took apart Josh Hazlewood in a devastating over, collecting 24 runs with a combination of crisp boundaries and powerful sixes. Gill’s explosive 43 off 18 balls included four fours and three sixes and ensured GT raced to 36 without loss inside just two overs.Alongside him, Jos Buttler played a crucial supporting role. After being dropped early, Buttler capitalised immediately and struck a fluent 39 off 19 balls. His aggressive intent ensured GT reached 69/2 at the end of the powerplay, firmly controlling the chase.Even after Gill and Buttler were dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, GT remained in control. Holder walked in at a tense stage but settled quickly, even launching a first-ball six to ease pressure. He later partnered with Rahul Tewatia to keep the chase on track.Although Holder was eventually dismissed for 12, Tewatia stayed unbeaten on 27 off 17 balls and guided GT home comfortably with 25 balls remaining.Beyond his wickets and catches, Holder’s brilliance in the field stood out. He took a stunning running catch near the boundary to dismiss Rajat Patidar, before adding two more sharp catches to remove Tim David and Krunal Pandya.
