“The most important thing as a team is to prioritise the win first. And the net run rate, it will come,” said Kagiso Rabada after a challenging match against the Mumbai Indians.
On April 20, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rabada showcased his bowling prowess by taking 3 wickets for just 33 runs. Yet, despite his efforts, the Gujarat Titans were bowled out for a mere 100 runs in just 15.5 overs, losing the match by a staggering 99 runs.
The Mumbai Indians dominated the game, scoring 199 runs for 5 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Tilak Varma played a standout role, scoring an impressive 101 not out, while Naman Dhir contributed with a solid 45 runs. Their performance highlighted the gap between the two teams on that day.
Rabada’s early breakthroughs were crucial—he trapped debutant Danish Malewar right in front of the stumps. This lethal opening spell was one of few bright spots for the Titans during a rough outing.
Prior to this loss, Gujarat Titans had been riding high on a three-match winning streak. However, this defeat placed them sixth in the IPL 2026 standings, raising questions about their playoff aspirations.
But there’s still hope. Despite this setback, Rabada emphasized that focusing on wins is paramount for team morale and future success. “Despite the defeat, our Titans are well in contention for the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs spot,” he noted.
The road ahead looks daunting as Gujarat Titans prepare to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru next on April 24. Will they bounce back or will this loss linger in their minds?
Details remain unconfirmed about any strategic changes ahead of that match, but one thing is clear: consistency is key in such a competitive tournament.
