The IPL 2026 is at its final lap and the championship clash's lineup got finalised on Friday as Gujarat Titans advanced to the summit clash. Apart from that, there were a few breaking stories across the tournament. Check out the IPL 2026 News Digest for May 30.
1. Gujarat Titans to face RCB in IPL 2026 Final
In a thrilling culmination to the IPL 2026 season, Gujarat Titans secured their place in the final by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 with a clinical chase of 215, led by Shubman Gill's unbeaten century. They will now face Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who topped the league stage with explosive batting firepower. The final promises a high-stakes clash between two consistent sides aiming for glory at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes fastest to 1000 IPL Runs
Rajasthan Royals' teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
etched his name in IPL history by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 career runs in the league, as he got to the landmark in just 440 deliveries. The 15-year-old Bihar prodigy achieved the milestone in just 23 innings during IPL 2026, showcasing blistering strokeplay with a strike rate over 230. His record-breaking 35-ball hundred in 2025 and explosive knocks like 97 off 29 in 2026 have redefined power-hitting.
3. Sai Sudharsan creates bizarre Hit Wicket Record
Gujarat Titans' reliable opener Sai Sudharsan created an unwanted and bizarre IPL record by becoming the first player dismissed hit wicket twice in the tournament's history. He got out against RR in a bizarrer fashion in Brijesh Sharma's delivery, and was dismissed the same way against RCB in the Qualifier 1. Sudharsan has now also become the joint highest hit wicket dismissed batter with 3 times, along with Andre Russell and Shoaib Malik.
4. Rishabh Pant steps down as LSG captain
Lucknow Super Giants skipper Rishabh Pant stepped down from captaincy after a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign that saw LSG finish at the bottom of the table. Having taken over in 2025 for a record ₹27 crore, Pant managed just 10 wins in 28 matches across two seasons with a low win percentage. Citing the need for a rebuild, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter will continue as a player. Director of Cricket Tom Moody praised his leadership and commitment.
5. Hardik Pandya won't play for MI again
Hardik Pandya's stint with Mumbai Indians appears over after IPL 2026 struggles. The all-rounder, who returned as captain, oversaw a poor season with MI finishing low on the table amid senior player issues. Despite personal contributions, leadership fatigue and team performance led to reports he won't return. MI plans to involve Rohit Sharma in selecting the next captain for 2027. Pandya was appointed MI captain in 2024 and the Paltans failed to qualify for playoffs twice in his three-year tenure.
6. GT chase down highest score in IPL Playoffs
Gujarat Titans scripted history by chasing down the highest successful target in IPL playoffs during their Qualifier 2 victory over Rajasthan Royals in 2026. Gill's masterful hundred powered GT to overhaul a challenging total with wickets and balls to spare, showcasing composure under pressure. The Titans will now take on RCB in the final on Sunday.
7. BCCI bans Smart Sunglasses
In a significant move to bolster anti-corruption and security measures, the BCCI banned smart sunglasses in IPL 2026 restricted areas, including dressing rooms. Players, support staff, and officials must deposit such devices before entry to prevent data breaches, unauthorized recordings, or potential misuse of wearable tech. The Anti-Corruption Unit's directive aligns with existing bans on phones and smartwatches. This proactive step ensures tournament integrity amid advancing technology, which can be used as communication devices.
8. Shubman Gill becomes 3rd IPL captain to score Multiple Centuries
Shubman Gill joined an elite list by becoming the third IPL captain to score multiple centuries, adding to his tally in 2026. The GT skipper now has two hundreds as captain, following Virat Kohli (5) and KL Rahul (3). His unbeaten century in Qualifier 2 was pivotal in GT's record chase, showcasing leadership with the bat.
