The winner plays RCB in the IPL 2026 Final. Gujarat Titans (GT) face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on Thursday, May 29 at 7:30 PM IST. RR are priced around 1.80-1.90 odds (implied win probability of ~53-56%).
Vs
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
29 May 2026 07:30 PM
The momentum contrast is dramatic. GT lost Qualifier 1 by a crushing 92 runs to RCB, while RR won the Eliminator by 47 runs against SRH, powered by Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s astonishing 97 off 29 balls. RR have won 3 in a row, while GT must overcome the mental scars of their biggest defeat of the season.
Mullanpur’s avg of 211 (IPL 2026’s highest-scoring venue) guarantees a run-fest. This article covers odds, predicted XIs, pitch report, weather, and GT vs RR Qualifier 2 prediction.
GT vs RR Qualifier 2 Match Details
Here are the key details for Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026, the match that decides who faces RCB in the Final at Ahmedabad on May 31.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | GT vs RR, Qualifier 2 |
| Tournament | Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Playoffs |
| Date | Thursday, May 29, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST (evening) |
| Venue | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) |
| Stakes | WINNER goes to the IPL 2026 FINAL (May 31, Ahmedabad) vs RCB |
| Loser | ELIMINATED. Season over. |
| Weather Alert | Partly cloudy. ~36°C. 35% rain risk. Dew in second innings. Reserve day May 30. |
GT vs RR Qualifier 2 Betting Odds Comparison
The odds have shifted. Before Q1, GT were slight favourites for everything. After the 92-run Q1 loss and RR’s Suryavanshi 97 off 29, the market now leans towards RR. Sportytrader specifically predicts “RR will advance to the final by beating GT.”
| Platform | GT Win Odds | RR Win Odds | Implied RR Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 2.05 | 1.82 | ~55% |
| Bet365 | 2.00 | 1.85 | ~54% |
| 1xBet | 2.08 | 1.80 | ~56% |
| Betfair | 1.98 | 1.88 | ~53% |
RR at 53-56% implied win probability reflects their 3-match winning streak, Suryavanshi’s 97 off 29, and the Eliminator momentum. However, GT’s 60% historical Q2 success rate (as Q1 losers) and Rabada’s 26 wickets keep them firmly in the picture.
Disclaimer: Odds are indicative and sourced from publicly available platforms at the time of writing. Consequently, they may change closer to match time.
GT vs RR Predicted Playing XIs
GT may make tactical changes after the Q1 hammering. RR will likely stick with the Eliminator-winning XI that dismantled SRH. Both teams know that losing means going home.
Gujarat Titans (GT) Predicted XI
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) Predicted XI
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Ravi Bishnoi, Tushar Deshpande, Maheesh Theekshana.
Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
Mullanpur is IPL 2026’s highest-scoring venue with an average first-innings score of 211. Short boundaries, a flat surface, and a lightning-fast outfield make this a batter’s paradise.
PBKS scored 254/7 here against LSG earlier this season, demonstrating the surface’s scoring potential.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Behaviour | Flat batting paradise. True bounce, even pace. Ball comes on nicely throughout. Quick outfield. |
| Batting Conditions | Exceptional. 200+ is par. 220+ is common. Short boundaries reward aggressive batting in all phases. |
| Bowling Conditions | Extremely challenging. Bowlers need accuracy because boundaries are short. Death bowling is critical. |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 211 (IPL 2026’s highest venue average). Scores below 190 are below par. |
| Bat First vs Chase | Dew in evening matches helps chasers. However, 210+ first-innings totals are extremely hard to chase. |
| Key Stat | RR scored 243/8 vs SRH in the Eliminator (different venue). On this surface, 250+ is genuinely possible from both teams. |
Weather Forecast for GT vs RR Qualifier 2
According to live weather data for Mullanpur on May 29, the forecast shows partly cloudy skies with 35% rain probability. A full match is expected, but a reserve day (May 30) is available if needed.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Around 32-36°C. Hot and humid. |
| Weather | Partly cloudy. Moderate rain risk. |
| Rain Probability | 35% (moderate. Full match likely. Reserve day May 30 available) |
| Humidity | Moderate to High (~55-65%) |
| Wind | Light |
| Dew Factor | Significant dew in second innings. Ball gets slippery. Major chasing advantage. |
| Impact | Dew favours chasers at Mullanpur. If rain reduces match, DLS favours team batting first. |
The 35% rain risk in a knockout adds tension. However, the reserve day (May 30) ensures the match will be completed. Unlike league matches, playoffs cannot end in a no-result. Consequently, both teams are guaranteed a full match to decide who goes to the Final.
How Both Teams Reached Qualifier 2
| Stage | GT’s Path | RR’s Path |
|---|---|---|
| League Finish | 2nd (9W 5L, 18 pts, NRR +0.695) | 4th (qualified on final day, beat MI by 30 runs) |
| Last League Match | Beat CSK by 89 runs (dominant) | Beat MI by 30 runs (clinched playoff spot) |
| Qualifier 1 / Eliminator | LOST to RCB by 92 runs (Sudharsan + Gill struggled) | Beat SRH by 47 runs (Suryavanshi 97 off 29) |
| Current Streak | 1 loss (Q1) | 3 consecutive wins |
| Rest Days Before Q2 | 3 days (since Q1 on May 26) | 2 days (since Eliminator on May 27) |
| Key Stat | Rabada 26 wkts. Beat RR on May 9. | Suryavanshi 97 off 29. Won 3 in a row. |
Momentum vs Rest: Which Matters More?
GT have 3 days rest since Q1 (May 26). RR have only 2 days since the Eliminator (May 27). That extra day of recovery could benefit GT’s fast bowlers (Rabada, Prasidh, Siraj) who need fresh legs at Mullanpur’s demanding batting conditions.
However, RR’s momentum from 3 consecutive wins is invaluable. Players are in rhythm, confidence is high, and the winning habit makes pressure situations feel manageable. GT, conversely, carry the mental scars of the 92-run Q1 hammering. That kind of defeat can haunt players in subsequent knockout matches. Consequently, RR’s momentum may outweigh GT’s extra rest in a high-pressure encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Since the loser goes home and the winner plays in the IPL 2026 Final, these 7 players could determine which team earns the right to face RCB at Ahmedabad on May 31.
| Player | Team | Why They Matter |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | RR | 97 off 29 balls in the Eliminator. 12 sixes in one innings at age 15. At Mullanpur’s short boundaries (avg 211), Suryavanshi could produce his maiden T20 century. |
| Kagiso Rabada | GT | 26 wickets (joint-most in IPL 2026). Had an expensive Q1 spell but remains GT’s most important player. Rabada vs Suryavanshi is the match’s defining duel. |
| Sai Sudharsan | GT | 554 runs (2nd highest in IPL 2026). Failed in Q1 against RCB’s swing. However, Mullanpur’s flat surface with no swing suits his timing perfectly. |
| Jofra Archer | RR | Express pace and death-overs accuracy. Took key wickets in the Eliminator to restrict SRH to 196. Against GT’s Sudharsan and Gill (who both failed in Q1), Archer’s pace could exploit any residual confidence issues. |
| Rashid Khan | GT | GT’s Mr. Playoffs. His 2022 title-winning experience under knockout pressure is invaluable. Against Suryavanshi’s aggression, Rashid’s middle-overs spell (7-15 overs) is GT’s best chance of controlling RR’s scoring rate. |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | RR | World-class opener who anchors while Suryavanshi attacks. His technique against both Rabada’s pace and Rashid’s spin makes him RR’s most complete batter. If Jaiswal bats through 15 overs, RR chase or post any total at Mullanpur. |
| Shubman Gill | GT | 552 runs and GT captain. Failed in Q1 but has delivered under pressure throughout the season. His captaincy decisions must improve after the Q1 tactical errors. If Gill produces a captain’s knock at Mullanpur, GT erase the Q1 scars. |
Toss Prediction
At Mullanpur in evening matches, significant dew favours the chasing team. The ball gets slippery after the 12th over, making spin bowling less effective and death bowling extremely challenging. Consequently, bowling first is the clear preference for both captains.
However, the 35% rain probability adds a wrinkle. If rain interrupts, the team batting first benefits from DLS. Nevertheless, both Gill and Parag will likely prioritise chasing with dew over DLS insurance. At Mullanpur’s avg of 211, even posting 220+ may not be safe if the opposition chases under dew.
Therefore, the toss winner bowls first. The captain who chases under dew at Mullanpur’s batting paradise holds a 15-25 run advantage. In a knockout, that margin could be the difference between the Final and going home.
Match Prediction
A shattered Q1 loser versus a surging Eliminator winner, at IPL 2026’s highest-scoring venue. The contrast between GT’s 92-run humiliation and RR’s 47-run Eliminator dominance is as stark as it gets. Consequently, this match is about psychology as much as cricket.
Where GT Holds the Edge
First of all, history favours Q1 losers in Q2 (60% win rate). The extra rest (3 days vs RR’s 2), better squad quality (Sudharsan 554 + Gill 552 + Rabada 26 wkts), and the psychological safety of having already proven themselves as a top-2 team all contribute. Consequently, GT’s Q1 loss may actually sharpen their focus rather than diminish it.
Moreover, Mullanpur’s flat surface suits GT’s batting far better than Dharamsala. The Q1 collapse happened at altitude with swing bowling. At Mullanpur (avg 211, flat, short boundaries), Sudharsan’s timing and Gill’s placement return to their natural effectiveness. If both anchor for 10+ overs, GT post 220+ regardless of RR’s bowling.
Where RR Holds the Edge
Nevertheless, 3 consecutive wins and Suryavanshi’s 97 off 29 give RR overwhelming momentum. Players are in rhythm, confidence is sky-high, and the winning habit makes pressure situations feel routine. Sportytrader specifically predicts “RR will advance to the final” based on this momentum.
Furthermore, Suryavanshi at Mullanpur’s short boundaries is the match’s most terrifying prospect. If his 97 off 29 at Uppal (avg 195) came on a batting-friendly surface, imagine what he produces at Mullanpur (avg 211, even shorter boundaries). No bowling attack in IPL 2026 has consistently contained him when he is firing.
Besides, GT’s 92-run Q1 loss leaves psychological scars. Sudharsan and Gill know they failed on the biggest stage. That memory lingers when they walk out to bat in another knockout. Against Archer’s pace targeting their stumps, any technical doubt becomes a mental weakness. Consequently, GT’s Q1 collapse could haunt them more than the extra rest day helps.
Key Concerns for Both Teams
GT’s concern is the Q1 mental baggage. A 92-run loss in a playoff match is devastating. Sudharsan and Gill both failed, the bowling leaked runs against RCB, and GT’s aura of invincibility was shattered. The biggest question is whether GT can reset mentally in 3 days. If they carry the Q1 scars onto the field, RR win.
Moreover, GT’s middle-order depth beyond Sudharsan-Gill-Buttler remains thin. Phillips, Tewatia, and the lower order collapsed in Q1. If the top 3 fails again (as happened against RCB), nobody else in GT’s lineup can rescue the innings against RR’s quality bowling (Archer, Bishnoi).
Conversely, RR’s concern is fatigue and quick turnaround. Only 2 days between the Eliminator (May 27) and Q2 (May 29) is tight for recovery. Archer bowled a full 4-over spell against SRH, and Suryavanshi‘s 29-ball 97 was physically demanding. If RR’s players are not fully recovered, their intensity drops.
Additionally, GT beat RR on May 9 in the league stage. That recent defeat reminds RR that GT know how to contain their batting. If Rashid produces a tight 4-over spell (as he did on May 9), RR’s middle overs collapse. Consequently, RR cannot assume their Eliminator form automatically transfers to this different opponent.
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Final Verdict: GT vs RR Qualifier 2 Match Prediction & Analysis
All in all, RR hold a narrow edge at around 53-56%. Their 3-match winning streak, Suryavanshi’s 97 off 29 balls, Archer’s death bowling, and Eliminator momentum all favour Rajasthan. Sportytrader’s prediction that “RR will advance to the final” reflects RR’s superior current form.
However, GT’s season-long body of work (Sudharsan 554, Gill 552, Rabada 26 wkts) cannot be dismissed. History shows Q1 losers win Q2 60% of the time. If Sudharsan and Gill rebound on Mullanpur’s flat batting surface, GT’s quality overwhelms RR. Besides, GT beat RR just 20 days ago, which provides a proven blueprint.
Therefore, expect both teams to score 200+ at Mullanpur (avg 211). The Rabada vs Suryavanshi powerplay duel, the Rashid vs Jaiswal/Parag middle-overs contest, and the Archer vs Sudharsan/Gill rematch will define this knockout.
The winner goes to the IPL 2026 Final at Ahmedabad. The loser goes home. Although RR carry the momentum advantage, GT’s pedigree and the historically proven Q2 bounce-back make this genuinely unpredictable. Consequently, this Qualifier 2 has all the ingredients for one of the greatest IPL knockout matches ever played.
