The former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction ahead of the Qualifier 2 between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans on Friday, May 29, at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. Ashwin predicted that the Gujarat Titans will win the title.
The Shubman Gill-led team lost badly to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1, but Ashwin still feels the 2022 IPL winners will make a strong comeback against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 and go on to lift their second trophy at home.
Gujarat Titans are winning the trophy for sure: Ravichandran Ashwin
Despite Rajasthan Royals’ dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator, Ravichandran Ashwin has completely downplayed their chances in the qualifier 2. He boldly predicted that RR will face crushing defeat on Friday at the hands of Gujarat Titans, and he is 100% sure about that.
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Not just that, Ashwin also said that the defending champions RCB don't have any chance to win the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. The former Indian all-rounder noted that Gujarat Titans understand the Ahmedabad pitch much better than other teams, so it will become very difficult for RCB to stop them on their home ground.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel: “GT will 100% beat RR all the way. I can give it in writing. And if GT qualifies for the final, they are winning the trophy for sure. They've measured the Ahmedabad track to an inch. GT will win their second title. RCB's only hope is to catch a flight and stop GT in Mullanpur itself because they've no chance in Ahmedabad.”
Ravichandran Ashwin backs GT despite Vaibhav Sooryavanshi threat in Qualifier 2
Ashwin also said that Rajasthan Royals will heavily rely on their teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the Qualifier 2, yet he predicted that they won’t be able to beat GT. The teenage batter has shocked everyone with his fearless batting and attacking shots against top bowlers this season. But Ashwin feels Vaibhav will have to be extra careful against Gujarat Titans pacers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada in the knockout game.
He further noted, “The truth is RR should beat GT in Qualifier 2 in terms of analysis. Yet, GT will win. Vaibhav Suryavanshi will be a massive factor, but he knows he has to be careful against Siraj and Rabada. Even though he scored some in the two matches against GT, he didn't go helter-skelter. He has to surely score, and I want him to, but I strongly believe GT are winning.”
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Ravichandran Ashwin wants GT to drop Kulwant Khejroliya for Qualifier 2
Meanwhile, Ashwin suggested Gujarat Titans drop the left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya from the playing XI against Rajasthan Royals after his costly performance against RCB in Qualifier 1. It was Kulwant’s first match of the season, and he ended up giving away 31 runs and even dropped Rajat Patidar’s catch that eventually played a big role in RCB’s massive win in Qualifier 1.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “GT should drop Kulwant Khejrolia and replace him with Ashok Sharma or Arshad Khan. But they shouldn't drop Nishant Sindhu.”
