'Whether we win or lose...': Shubman Gill's clear message for GT teammates after storming into IPL 2026 final

"[On the final] Feeling is really good. But quick turnaround so tomorrow we'll just rest and recover and then go there and assess conditions. I think if you don't play the occasion it brings the best out of us and that's what we spoke about. Let's take the occasion out and play some good cricket. Whether we win or lose, we should play good cricket," Gill, who was adjudged player of the match for his stunning ton, said at the post-match presentation.

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Gill's classic ton does the work for Titans

In an era increasingly dominated by brute force and muscle, Gill produced a conventional batting masterclass on Friday night. GT captain stroked a majestic century (104 off 53) to guide his team to a dominating win over RR in Qualifier 2. This emphatic win punches Gujarat's ticket to the tournament showpiece, marking an incredible third final appearance in just five seasons of the Indian Premier League.

The contest had initially been set up by the Royals' teenage sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The 15-year-old prodigy showcased his immense talent by playing an array of astonishing shots in a brilliantly paced 96 off 47 balls. His fireworks steered Rajasthan to an imposing 214 for six after the side opted to bat first on a sluggish, used surface.

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Gill-Sudharsan's towering partnership makes short work of big chase

While a target of 215 would typically test any batting lineup, Gujarat's top-heavy order made incredibly short work of the daunting chase. The foundation was laid by a spectacular 167-run opening partnership off just 77 deliveries between Gill (104 off 53 balls) and Sai Sudharsan (58 off 32 balls). The duo completely dismantled the Royals' bowling attack, ensuring the required run rate remained entirely under control.

The massive partnership came to a bizarre end when Sudharsan freakishly lost control of his bat for the second consecutive game, resulting in a hit-wicket dismissal. Despite the strange breakthrough, the Titans never lost their stride and comfortably coasted to the target in 18.4 overs, anchored perfectly by Gill's unbeaten century.

With this victory, the Gujarat Titans are set to face off against the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, in the grand finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The blockbuster clash offers Gujarat a golden opportunity for redemption, coming just days after they suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of the same Bengaluru franchise in Dharamsala.