IPL, GT vs RR Preview: Boss Baby Sooryavanshi ready to rumble in Ahmedabad

IPL 2026: Expect fireworks at the Narendra Modi Stadium as 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi leads Rajasthan Royals' explosive top order against Gujarat Titans' star-studded lineup.

In Short

• GT and RR set for high-value showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi aims to replicate last season's explosive century
• Jos Buttler backed to regain form despite recent poor performances

Ahmedabad will be on high alert on Saturday evening, as it might be cloudy with a chance of sixes raining down at the Narendra Modi Stadium when young batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi takes the field against Gujarat Titans in Rajasthan Royals’ on April 4. With both sides set to clash in what is already anticipated to be a high-scoring Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 showdown, much of the spotlight will be on the Bihar-born 15-year-old wonderkid.

It will be a momentous occasion for Sooryavanshi, who made headlines last season with the tournament’s second-fastest century against the same opponent. That innings introduced the world to the youngster's extraordinary talent, as he scored a 35-ball hundred against GT's star-studded bowling attack featuring the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan.

But he may not be the only one hailing fury in Ahmedabad. RR has another young-opening sensation, Yashaswi Jaiswal, whose IPL strike rate of 151.69 might seem modest compared to Sooryavanshi, but it carries the power to destroy opposition attacks on his day. The duo, in fact, are well on their way to becoming the fastest Indian pair to 500 partnership runs (by balls) in IPL history.

While Rajasthan boasts power-packed openers, Gujarat Titans have stacked their own firepower in the top order with Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Jos Buttler. Last season, the trio scored 1,967 runs, accounting for 72.54% of GT’s total runs in IPL 2025.

It promises to be a top-order showdown in Ahmedabad, but GT may rely on their middle order to step up after their defeat against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur.

The combined batting average of GT’s middle order (No. 4-7) in 2025 was 22.18, among the lowest in the tournament. Against PBKS, similar struggles resurfaced as GT managed only 150 after Buttler’s wicket in the 16th over with the score at 129.

GT V RR: HEAD-TO-HEAD

The two teams have faced each other eight times in the IPL, with GT winning six and RR winning two. At the Narendra Modi Stadium, which hosted the IPL 2022 final between the two teams, GT again holds the upper hand, 2-1, historically.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Jos Buttler, the former England captain, seemed past his prime in the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup and looked scrappy in GT’s first game this season, scoring 38 off 33 balls in a losing cause. Despite this, the coaching staff and players continue to back him to regain form.

“He’s a top player, and there’s no doubt about it. I don’t think you people doubt that either. Yeah, he had a bad 1–1.5 months, which can happen to any player, and has happened to most top-class players, including Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. But these players always come back,” said Aashish Kapoor, GT Assistant Coach, in the pre-match press conference.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has already made a scintillating start to the season with the third-fastest fifty against Chennai Super Kings. His partnership with Jaiswal could prove pivotal in RR’s bid to maintain momentum.

“He loves to bat. I’ve told the coaches he can bat as much as he wants, and he does things like that 15-ball half-century against CSK. Dhruv and I were just in awe till the fourth over. I’m really happy to have him in my team,” said RR skipper Riyan Parag.

THE TACTICAL NUANCES

Against CSK, Nandre Burger proved lethal upfront, dismissing two of their top three without much damage. He could be RR’s trump card against GT’s top order. Additionally, Jofra Archer, who can bowl above 140 kmph, has the upper hand against GT captain Shubman Gill, having claimed three dismissals in 19 balls while conceding just 16 runs.

Ahmedabad with a run rate of 8.54 in powerplay, low when compared to 9.87 in the middle overs and 10.12 in the death overs. RR will look to exploit this by crippling GT early.

On the other hand, GT’s inability to finish games, seen against PBKS, may affect their race for a top-four finish. Despite Prasidh Krishna’s fiery spell, Kagiso Rabada’s struggles might see him replaced by Jason Holder to bolster GT’s bowling and batting depth in the middle.

PITCH AND WEATHER: A BATTING PARADISE?

Ahmedabad was the highest-scoring venue in IPL 2025, with 11 totals exceeding 200 and an average first-innings score above 200. Saturday’s clash is likely to be another run-fest. Historically, teams batting first have the advantage, winning seven out of nine games last season at this venue. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures around 33°C.

GT vs RR: TEAM NEWS AND PREDICTED XI

Gujarat Titans Probable XI: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada/Jason Holder, Ashok Sharma, Mohammed Siraj

Impact player: Prasidh Krishna

Rajasthan Royals Probable XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, Sandeep Sharma, Nandre Burger, Brijesh Sharma

Impact player: Donovan Ferreira

Both teams have no injury concerns for the game.

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