Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a bold prediction ahead of the Qualifier 2 between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans. Ashwin predicts that the Gujarat Titans will win the title in IPL 2026.
Despite the Shubman Gill-led team’s loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1, Ashwin believes 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
Ashwin has downplayed the chances of Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, despite their dominant win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator. He is 100% sure that Rajasthan Royals will face a crushing defeat against Gujarat Titans.
Furthermore, Ashwin stated that the defending champions RCB do not stand a chance to win the IPL 2026 final. He noted that Gujarat Titans understand the Ahmedabad pitch much better than other teams, making it 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 acknowledged that Rajasthan Royals will heavily rely on their teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in Qualifier 2, but still predicted they won’t be able to beat GT. The young batter has impressed with his fearless batting, but Ashwin feels he needs to be extra careful against Gujarat Titans pacers Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.
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.”
Ravichandran Ashwin wants GT to drop Kulwant Khejroliya for Qualifier 2
Ashwin suggested that Gujarat Titans should consider dropping left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya from the playing XI against Rajasthan Royals, citing his costly performance against RCB in Qualifier 1. Khejroliya, in his first match of the season, conceded 31 runs and dropped a crucial catch, which contributed to RCB’s victory.
Ashwin concluded by saying, “GT should drop Kulwant Khejrolia and replace him with Ashok Sharma or Arshad Khan. But they shouldn’t drop Nishant Sindhu.”
