"Rajasthan Royals juggernaut can be stopped by Gujarat Titans": Aakash Chopra ahead of IPL Qualifier 2
New Delhi, May 28
As the Gujarat Titans gear up to face the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 of the 2026 Indian Premier League in New Chandigarh on Friday, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes GT have the discipline and structure to stop the strong momentum of the RR in the second qualifier.
He said GT's ideal strategy should be to bat first and post a 200-plus total. Chopra praised the Titans for functioning as a well-organised unit where every player understands and executes their role calmly. Rather than depending on individual stars, GT rely on disciplined bowling, sharp fielding, and smart batting decisions, making them a difficult side to break down.
"Gujarat Titans should have a clear plan heading into the second qualifier: bat first and put 200-plus runs on the board. They may not have the most glamorous or star-studded lineup, but they are a very disciplined unit. Every player knows their role, and they execute it without panic. They don't rely on one or two match-winners. Instead, they win as a team, through smart bowling changes, tight fielding, and calculated batting. That kind of discipline can be very hard to break. So, there is a real possibility that this Rajasthan Royals juggernaut can be stopped by GT. If any team can do it, it does not get overwhelmed by big names and sticks to the basics," Chopra on Star Sports.
Powered by a sensational batting masterclass from teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajasthan Royals stormed into IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 with a commanding 47-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator.
Overall, RR and Gujarat Titans have faced each other 10 times in IPL history, with GT holding a dominant edge with seven wins, while the Royals have emerged victorious on three occasions.
The winner of Qualifier 2 will take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday in Ahmedabad.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I think Chopra is underestimating RR's batting depth. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is just 19 and he's already playing like a veteran. If their top order clicks, even GT's disciplined bowling might struggle. But ya, GT's head-to-head record (7-3) is impressive. Let's see!
Honestly, I'm tired of experts always praising GT's "discipline" while ignoring individual brilliance. RR has match-winners like Samson and now Sooryavanshi—they can take the game away in a few overs. GT needs more than just structure to stop this juggernaut. Jai Rajasthan! 🔥
Chopra makes a valid point—batting first and posting 200+ is key. GT's bowling is miserly, but RR's middle order has been shaky under pressure. If GT can get early wickets, they'll win. But if Sooryavanshi fires again, it's game over for GT. Nervous excitement! 🤞
One thing Chopra didn't mention: RR's bowling attack is underrated. They have Boult, Chahal, and Ashwin—that's world-class experience. GT's batting depends heavily on Gill and Shankar, and if they fail, the middle order looks thin. I'm backing RR to win this one.
As a GT fan, I appreciate Chopra's faith in the team. But cricket is unpredictable—remember when RCB chased 260+? 🤷♀️ RR has firepower, GT has discipline. On paper, it's a 50-50 game
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