GT Playing XI vs RR – Predicted Lineup & Team Analysis

GT Top Order: Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra

Sai Sudharsan is GT's most reliable batter and plays the anchor role perfectly.
Jos Buttler is an explosive powerplay batter who can change the course of the match in a single over.
Kumar Kushagra is a young aggressive wicket-keeper batter who plays fearless cricket.

Risk: If Buttler and Sudharsan fall early, GT's middle order will face enormous pressure.

RR Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel

Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the most consistent openers in IPL — brilliant at finding boundaries and playing big shots.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a young sensation with a fearless and attacking batting style.
Dhruv Jurel is a wicket-keeper batter who can also anchor the middle order if needed.

RR's top order is the biggest threat to GT's bowling attack in this match.

GT Middle Order: Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia

Glenn Phillips is an explosive finisher with a natural ability to hit big.
Rahul Tewatia performs best under pressure — especially deadly in the last 4 overs.
Washington Sundar plays a dual role — contributes with the bat and his off-spin bowling.

GT's middle order is extremely dangerous in the death overs.

RR Middle Order: Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Donavon Ferreira

Riyan Parag is the captain and backbone of the team — leads from the front with both bat and in the field.
Shimron Hetmyer is a death overs specialist — absolutely devastating between overs 17 and 20.
Donavon Ferreira is a hard-hitting South African batter who can take the match in any direction.

RR's middle order is equally dangerous against GT's pace attack.

GT All-Rounders: Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia

Washington Sundar contributes with the bat and bowls off-spin, useful in the powerplay.
Glenn Phillips is a strong batter who also provides a part-time off-spin option.
Rahul Tewatia is a finisher in the lower order and can bowl leg-spin when needed.

GT has three all-round options which gives the team great flexibility and balance.

RR All-Rounders: Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is a world-class all-rounder — outstanding in batting, left-arm spin bowling and fielding.
Riyan Parag is a captain all-rounder who reads match situations very well.

Jadeja alone can change the balance of a match — he is RR's biggest X-factor.

GT All-Rounders: Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia

Washington Sundar contributes with the bat and bowls off-spin, useful in the powerplay.
Glenn Phillips is a strong batter who also provides a part-time off-spin option.
Rahul Tewatia is a finisher in the lower order and can bowl leg-spin when needed.

GT has three all-round options which gives the team great flexibility and balance.

RR All-Rounders: Riyan Parag, Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is a world-class all-rounder — outstanding in batting, left-arm spin bowling and fielding.
Riyan Parag is a captain all-rounder who reads match situations very well.

Jadeja alone can change the balance of a match — he is RR's biggest X-factor.

GT Impact Player Options: Glenn Phillips or an extra bowler

If GT Bats First:
GT can replace Glenn Phillips with an extra batter as the impact player.
This strengthens the middle order further and makes a target of 185+ very achievable.

If GT Fields First:
Bringing in an extra bowler as the impact player is the smarter option.
This increases bowling depth and puts more pressure on RR's batters.

GT's impact player decision will ultimately depend on Rashid Khan's reading of the pitch and conditions.

RR Impact Player Options: Donavon Ferreira or Nandre Burger

If RR Bats First:
Donavon Ferreira or an extra finisher can come in as the impact player.
An aggressive finish can push the target to 185-190.

If RR Fields First:
Bringing in Nandre Burger as the impact player adds more bowling firepower.
Containing GT's top order early should be RR's top priority.

RR's impact player choice will depend on the toss result and pitch conditions.

If GT Bats First:

Target: 180 to 190+
Buttler and Sudharsan should go aggressive in the powerplay — aim for 50+ runs in the first 6 overs.
Build steadily between overs 7 and 15 to set a solid platform.
Tewatia, Phillips and Washington Sundar to finish hard between overs 16 and 20.
If GT posts 185+, their bowling attack is good enough to defend it.

If GT Fields First:

Attack with Siraj and Rabada in the powerplay — get Jaiswal and Suryavanshi out quickly.
Bring Rashid Khan on between overs 7 and 12 — this is GT's match-winning move.
Restrict RR to under 165 and the chase becomes very comfortable.
Winning Formula: Keep RR's powerplay score under 45 — the match will be GT's to win.

If RR Bats First:

Jaiswal and Suryavanshi should target 55 to 60 runs in the powerplay.
Jadeja and Parag to stay steady in the middle overs — rotation and economy are key.
Hetmyer and Ferreira to take RR to 180+ in overs 17 to 20.
If RR posts 185+, Jofra Archer gives them a real chance of defending it.

If RR Fields First:

Jofra Archer to take the new ball — dismissing Buttler early is the most important wicket.
Bring Jadeja on in overs 8 to 12 — RR's spin counter against Rashid Khan.
Restricting GT to under 165 must be RR's top priority.
Winning Formula: If RR can dismiss Rashid Khan before over 15, the match shifts in their favour.

What is the predicted Playing XI for GT vs RR?

GT: Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Kumar Kushagra, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan (C), Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna

RR: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Donavon Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma

Who will be GT's impact player against RR?
Glenn Phillips or Ashok Sharma are likely impact player options for GT depending on the toss and pitch conditions.

Who will be RR's impact player against GT?
Donavon Ferreira as a batting impact or Nandre Burger as a bowling impact — the decision will depend on the match situation.

Who will win GT vs RR?
Gujarat Titans have a slight edge due to home ground advantage and Rashid Khan's bowling. However Jofra Archer can change the match at any moment.

What is the pitch like at Narendra Modi Stadium?
The Ahmedabad pitch is generally batting-friendly but also assists spin. Rashid Khan becomes extra dangerous on this surface.

Who is the GT captain in IPL 2026?
Rashid Khan is the captain of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026.

Who is the RR captain in IPL 2026?
Riyan Parag is the captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.