Gujarat Titans (GT) will open with Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at the top when they host Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 9 of IPL 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 7:30 PM IST. This is the second game of the first double-header of the season, so both teams go into a packed Saturday of cricket.
Both sides enter this match with very different forms. GT lost their opener to Punjab Kings and sit seventh on the table with a net run rate of -0.509. In contrast, RR crushed Chennai Super Kings by eight wickets with 47 balls to spare, and currently sit at the top of the table with the best net run rate in the competition, +4.171. Because of that, Rajasthan Royals come in as slight favourites. Still, GT play at home in Ahmedabad, where they have a strong record, which keeps this game very open.
GT vs RR IPL 2026 Match 9: Key Details
| Aspect | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 9, IPL 2026 |
| Teams | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals |
| Date | Saturday, April 4, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| GT Captain | Shubman Gill |
| RR Captain | Riyan Parag |
| Head-to-Head | GT 6 – RR 2 (8 matches) |
Injury and Availability Updates for GT vs RR
GT: Middle Order Under Pressure After PBKS Loss
GT have no injury concerns heading into this game. Even so, their middle order is under real pressure after scoring just 162 against Punjab Kings. Both Shubman Gill (39 off 27) and Jos Buttler (38 off 33) failed to go big. Sai Sudharsan (13 off 11) is also still finding his feet after an injury break. As a result, the top three, on whom GT’s batting plan depends, need to fire much more here at home.
The Indian middle order is another concern. Shahrukh Khan has struggled for form recently, with a highest score of just 7 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26. Similarly, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia need to be more impactful in the finishing overs. On a positive note, GT made one bowling change for this match: Ashok Sharma is expected to start ahead of Prasidh Krishna in some lineup predictions. That said, Prasidh took 3 for 29 in the first game and is hard to drop.
GT’s Bowling: The Rashid Khan Question
GT’s bowling attack is one of the strongest in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna form a formidable pace trio. In addition, Rashid Khan is arguably the greatest T20 spinner ever, with over 700 wickets in the format. The key concern from the PBKS game was GT’s use of Siraj, who bowled only two overs, and the late introduction of Prasidh in the 13th over. Captain Shubman Gill will need to manage his resources better here at home.
RR: No Injury Worries; Strong on All Fronts
RR have no major injury concerns ahead of this game. Sam Curran was injured before the season, but his replacement, Dasun Shanaka, is now fit and available for selection. However, RR are unlikely to change a winning XI after their dominant win over CSK. The team played with just three overseas players against CSK and did not even need to use their impact player, since they won with 47 balls remaining.
The key talking point for RR is their extraordinary opening pair. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 15 years old, smashed a 15-ball fifty against CSK to record one of the joint-fastest half-centuries in IPL history. Notably, he also smashed a 38-ball century against GT last season in Jaipur, scoring 101 off 38 balls to help RR chase down 210 inside 16 overs. So this is a very personal and high-stakes battle for GT’s bowlers.
RR’s Key Selection Call: Burger or Ferreira
One selection question for RR is whether Nandre Burger starts in the XI or whether Donovan Ferreira takes that spot. If RR expect to bat second and chase, Burger could be left out and brought in as an impact sub to replace Ferreira later. On the other hand, if the pitch on Saturday is fresh and offers bounce, Burger’s height and pace at 140 kph make him a very strong new-ball option. His ability to take early wickets, as he showed against CSK, makes the case for him to start.
GT Predicted Playing XI vs RR
GT play their first home game of IPL 2026 and will look to put their PBKS loss behind them quickly. Their home record at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been outstanding in recent years. On a flat, high-scoring pitch, their top three need to play longer innings than they did in Mullanpur.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sai Sudharsan | Opener |
| 2 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opener / Captain |
| 3 | Jos Buttler (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 5 | Glenn Phillips | Middle Order |
| 6 | M Shahrukh Khan | Finisher |
| 7 | Rahul Tewatia | Finisher / All-rounder |
| 8 | Rashid Khan | All-rounder / Spinner |
| 9 | Kagiso Rabada | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Ashok Sharma | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Prasidh Krishna, Jayant Yadav, Anuj Rawat, Jason Holder
GT’s Opening Pair: Gill and Sudharsan
Since their comeback to the top of Indian cricket, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have been one of the most productive opening pairs in the IPL. Last season, they put on 912 runs together at a partnership strike rate of 159.33 and built seven fifty-plus stands. So far in IPL 2026, however, both have looked rusty. Gill made 39 off 27 against PBKS and Sudharsan could only manage 13 off 11. Because this is a home game on a flat surface, both will look to play longer and convert their starts into big scores.
One significant concern is Gill’s record against Jofra Archer. In the IPL, Archer has dismissed Gill three times in just 19 balls while giving away only 16 runs. Given that Archer is RR’s spearhead, this battle in the first few overs could set the tone for GT’s entire innings. If Gill survives the Archer threat, he can go on to make the big score GT badly needs.
GT’s Middle Order: The Weak Link
Jos Buttler faces his former franchise here, which makes this a personal game for him. He scored 38 off 33 against PBKS but looked slow in doing so. On a flat Ahmedabad surface, GT need him to bat at a higher strike rate. Washington Sundar comes in at No. 4 and has been shuffled up and down the order both for GT and India, which has unsettled his role somewhat. For this match, he needs to be clear on his job: play through the middle overs and contribute a full batting innings.
Further down, Glenn Phillips brings batting firepower and can bowl useful overs if needed. Shahrukh Khan and Rahul Tewatia are GT’s designated finishers, but both need to do far more than they showed against Punjab Kings. In particular, Shahrukh’s recent domestic form has been poor. As a result, if GT find themselves struggling late in the innings, it could once again cost them a competitive total.
GT’s Bowling: Rashid Leads a Strong Attack
Rashid Khan is the core of GT’s bowling. With over 700 T20 wickets, he is arguably the best spinner in the history of the format. On the flat Ahmedabad surface, he will face a tough test against RR’s aggressive top order, especially Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal, who both attack spin hard. Kagiso Rabada adds genuine international pace and is GT’s most dangerous bowler in the powerplay. Together, Rashid and Rabada give GT one of the best bowling duos in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj needs better captaincy management than he got in Mullanpur, where he bowled just two overs. Siraj brings skill and variety with the new ball, and GT need his full four-over spell here. Ashok Sharma took a wicket on his IPL debut against PBKS and may retain his spot. His pace and bounce on this surface make him a genuine option to trouble RR’s top order early on.
RR Predicted Playing XI vs GT
RR come to Ahmedabad on the back of a near-perfect performance against CSK. Their bowling attack dismissed CSK for 127 and then their openers went at such a pace that the game was over in 12.1 overs. There are very few reasons to change a winning combination for this match.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Opener |
| 2 | Yashasvi Jaiswal | Opener |
| 3 | Dhruv Jurel (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Riyan Parag (c) | Middle Order / Captain |
| 5 | Shimron Hetmyer | Middle Order |
| 6 | Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder |
| 7 | Donovan Ferreira | All-rounder |
| 8 | Jofra Archer | Pace Bowler |
| 9 | Nandre Burger | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Sandeep Sharma | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Ravi Bishnoi | Leg-spinner |
Impact Player Options: Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Brijesh Sharma, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius, Dasun Shanaka
RR’s Opening Pair: Sooryavanshi and Jaiswal
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the story of IPL 2026 so far. At just 15 years old, he smashed a 15-ball fifty against CSK, which is one of the joint-fastest half-centuries in IPL history. In addition, he hit a 38-ball century against GT in the previous season in Jaipur, scoring 101 off 38 balls to help RR chase 210 in just 16 overs. So his record against this specific opponent is already extraordinary. GT’s pace attack of Rabada, Siraj, and Prasidh will face a very stiff test in the powerplay.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made 38 not out off 28 balls in the CSK game, which was a measured knock in a low-scoring chase. Together, Jaiswal and Sooryavanshi are closing in on becoming the fastest Indian pair to reach 500 partnership runs in the IPL, by balls faced. They are currently on 497 runs off 246 balls, and the record of 309 balls, held by Sehwag and Gambhir, is well within reach.
RR’s Middle Order: Parag, Hetmyer, and Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel bats at No. 3 and acts as the wicketkeeper for RR. He is a calm, composed batter who can pace an innings well. Riyan Parag, as captain and No. 4, made 14 off 11 against CSK with an outrageous six that showed his range of shots. Shimron Hetmyer is arguably RR’s most dangerous middle-order batter. He scored 248 runs in seven innings at the T20 World Cup 2026, averaging 41.33 at No. 3 for West Indies. He bats at No. 5 for RR this season, so he has not yet been tested in a tight situation. A big score from Hetmyer here would be a real statement.
Ravindra Jadeja returned to RR after a long gap and has settled in quickly. He took two wickets against his former side CSK and bats usefully at No. 6. In addition, Donovan Ferreira adds all-round depth at No. 7 and is a live impact player option if RR need batting reinforcement during the chase.
RR’s Bowling: Archer Leads a Fierce Attack
Jofra Archer is RR’s biggest weapon with the ball. His record against GT captain Shubman Gill is remarkable: he has dismissed Gill three times in just 19 balls while conceding only 16 runs. That specific matchup is one of the most fascinating battles in this game. Nandre Burger adds height, bounce, and 140 kph pace to RR’s attack. He dismissed two of CSK’s top three in his first two overs. On a flat Ahmedabad surface where the run rate in the powerplay averages 8.54, early wickets from Burger and Archer are crucial for RR.
Moreover, Sandeep Sharma brings experience and accuracy to the RR bowling group. He is a reliable middle-overs option. Ravi Bishnoi completes the bowling attack with his leg-spin and was the world’s top-ranked T20I bowler earlier in his career. Furthermore, Ravindra Jadeja gives RR a second spin option and his tight lines in the middle overs can slow even the most aggressive batters.
Alternate XI Scenarios: What Could Change?
GT: Prasidh Krishna vs Ashok Sharma
The biggest question for GT is whether Ashok Sharma keeps his place or whether Prasidh Krishna returns. Prasidh was outstanding in the first game with 3 for 29 but some sources suggest Ashok could start here. Ashok took a wicket on his IPL debut and brings pace and bounce. Even so, Prasidh’s experience in high-pressure games and his success at this venue makes him a strong candidate to come in as an impact player if GT bowl first.
Beyond that, GT could also use Jason Holder as an impact all-rounder option if they need more batting depth in the lower order. Jayant Yadav is another spin option available off the bench. If the pitch plays slow and GT need an extra spinner to complement Rashid, Jayant could also feature as an impact sub in the middle overs.
RR: Burger vs Ferreira and the Impact Player Choice
As mentioned, RR’s main decision is whether Nandre Burger starts in the XI or comes in as an impact sub. If GT bat first and put on a big score, RR would want Burger’s wicket-taking ability in the chase. On the other hand, if RR bat first, they may prefer Donovan Ferreira in the XI for batting depth and bring Burger in later to strengthen the bowling during the run-chase.
In addition, Brijesh Sharma is an uncapped spinner who impressed in the domestic circuit and sits on the bench ready to play. If the Ahmedabad pitch offers spin, he could be brought in as an impact sub in the middle overs. Furthermore, Lhuan-Dre Pretorius is a pace option available if RR need an additional overseas fast bowler at any point during the match.
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report for GT vs RR
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is one of the highest-scoring venues in the entire IPL. Last season, it was the top-scoring venue in the tournament, featuring 11 totals above 200 in a single season. The pitch is flat and true, with a fast outfield that makes even along-the-ground hits race to the boundary. In short, this is a batter’s paradise.
| Aspect | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Flat, true bounce; very batting-friendly |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | 216 (IPL 2025 at this venue) |
| Run Rate | Around 10 runs per over across last two IPL seasons |
| Chasing Advantage | Strong; all IPL 2026 games so far won batting second |
| Dew Factor | Heavy dew expected in second innings (evening game) |
| Pace vs Spin | Pace effective early; spinners face a tough task due to dew |
What the Ahmedabad Pitch Means for This Match
Since this is an evening match starting at 7:30 PM, dew is a major factor. In all IPL 2026 games so far, the team winning the toss has chosen to bowl first. That trend is very likely to continue here. Heavy dew in the second innings makes the ball wet and slippery, which hurts spinners like Rashid Khan and Ravi Bishnoi the most. Because of the dew, the chasing team gets a big advantage as the match progresses.
On the other hand, the first innings is expected to be drier and more seam-friendly in the initial overs. Rabada, Siraj, Burger, and Archer will find some movement in the early powerplay overs. After that, though, the pitch becomes very flat. The average run rate climbs from 8.54 in the powerplay to 9.87 in the middle overs and 10.12 at the death at this venue. So whoever bats second will have a real advantage once the dew sets in.
GT vs RR Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Aspect | Info |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 8 |
| GT Wins | 6 |
| RR Wins | 2 |
| GT at Ahmedabad vs RR | GT lead (2-1 at Narendra Modi Stadium) |
| Most Recent Meeting | RR won (Sooryavanshi’s 101-off-38 last season) |
GT hold a commanding 6–2 head-to-head advantage over RR in the IPL. Their record at the Narendra Modi Stadium against RR is also positive, with a 2–1 win record at home. Most notably, GT beat RR in the 2022 IPL Final at this very ground by seven wickets, clinching the title in their very first season. However, the most recent meeting went RR’s way, when Sooryavanshi’s stunning century helped them chase 210 with ease. That recent memory gives RR confidence going into this game.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Shubman Gill vs Jofra Archer
Gill has a poor record against Jofra Archer in the IPL. Archer has dismissed him three times in just 19 balls and has conceded only 16 runs in those encounters. On a flat Ahmedabad pitch, if Archer can get Gill early in the powerplay, it could put GT’s entire batting plan under pressure. On the other hand, if Gill survives the Archer threat and gets his eye in, he has the ability to build a massive innings on this surface.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi vs Kagiso Rabada
Sooryavanshi will face top-quality international fast bowling for the first time in a high-pressure IPL game on a flat surface. His 15-ball fifty against CSK came against a weaker domestic attack. Now he faces Kagiso Rabada, one of the best pace bowlers in the world. Rabada’s aggression and pace will be a real test for the 15-year-old. If Sooryavanshi survives the powerplay, though, he could tear apart any bowling attack in the world on this surface.
Rashid Khan vs Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rashid Khan is the most successful T20 spinner in history. Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, is one of the best young batters in India, known for playing spin well. This middle-overs battle will define whether GT can control the run rate between overs 7 and 15. If Rashid can pick up Jaiswal cheaply, it disrupts RR’s innings. In contrast, if Jaiswal attacks Rashid successfully, RR can set an unreachable total or build a match-winning partnership during the chase.
Impact Player Predictions for GT vs RR
GT’s Likely Impact Player: Prasidh Krishna or Jayant Yadav
If GT bowl first, Prasidh Krishna is the obvious impact choice given his 3 for 29 in the previous game. He brings wicket-taking ability and experience in pressure situations. Alternatively, if GT bat first and want more batting depth in the lower order, Anuj Rawat or Jason Holder could come in to replace a bowler. Jayant Yadav is also an option if GT want more spin variety to complement Rashid in the middle overs.
RR’s Likely Impact Player: Nandre Burger or Donovan Ferreira
For RR, Nandre Burger is the most valuable impact option. If he does not start and RR bowl second, bringing him in for Donovan Ferreira gives RR an extra wicket-taking threat. Burger’s height and pace make him very hard to attack in the powerplay. On the other hand, if RR bat first and their top three go cheaply, Donovan Ferreira becomes a ready-made batting impact sub who can play a big innings in the middle order.
GT vs RR IPL 2026 Match 9: Match Prediction
Rajasthan Royals hold a slight edge heading into Match 9. Three factors point in their favour.
Why RR Are Slight Favourites
First, current form. RR are the only unbeaten team in IPL 2026 so far. Their eight-wicket win over CSK was one-sided from the very first over. Going into any game on the back of that kind of performance gives a team huge belief and energy.
Second, Sooryavanshi’s record against GT. He hit 101 off 38 balls against this exact opponent in the previous season. GT’s bowlers are aware of the threat, but that record shows he has the ability to take the game away in the powerplay alone.
Third, the dew advantage. Since this is an evening game in Ahmedabad, the second innings will be affected by heavy dew. Captains in every IPL 2026 game so far have chosen to bowl first. If RR win the toss, they will bowl first and chase, which gives them the dew advantage against GT’s spinners. On a flat pitch with dew, chasing a total of 200 is much easier than defending it.
Why GT Can Win This
Despite RR’s advantages, GT have strong reasons to be confident at home. Rashid Khan can take any game away on his own, and his home record at the Narendra Modi Stadium is outstanding. In addition, GT’s 6–2 head-to-head record over RR means the Royals have rarely beaten them across the history of the fixture.
Beyond that, Jos Buttler faces his former team and will be fired up personally. If Buttler and Gill click together in the first 10 overs, GT can post a total above 200, which remains a tough chase regardless of dew. Furthermore, if GT bowl first and get Sooryavanshi cheaply early in the powerplay, the whole RR batting plan loses its most destructive element right away.
Prediction: Rajasthan Royals to win by 15–20 runs if they bat first, or to chase down the target with 8–12 balls to spare if they bowl first.
Toss Prediction: The toss winner will almost certainly bowl first. In all IPL 2026 games played so far, the winning captain has chosen to field first. Heavy dew in the second innings at this venue strongly favours the chasing side. As a result, both captains will want to bowl first if they win the toss.
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Final Verdict: Both Teams Ready For A High-Scoring Ahmedabad Showdown
Match 9 of IPL 2026 brings together two very different stories. GT need to bounce back at home after a disappointing opening loss, while RR want to stay perfect and build on one of the most complete team performances of the early season. The contrast between GT’s calculated approach and RR’s attacking style makes this one of the most interesting matchups of the tournament so far.
On the whole, RR’s form, the dew factor, and Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary record against GT give the Royals a slight edge. However, GT’s home conditions, Rashid Khan’s class, and their 6–2 H2H record keep this match wide open. Expect a high-scoring evening under the lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with the powerplay battle between Sooryavanshi and GT’s pace attack likely to decide which way the match goes. A close and exciting game looks very likely on Saturday night in Ahmedabad.
