Gujarat Titans suffered an early setback in the IPL 2026 final as captain Shubman Gill's promising start was cut short by Josh Hazlewood at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
After surviving a probing opening spell from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and finding the boundary with a trademark cover drive, Gill looked set to anchor Gujarat's chase for a second IPL title. Instead, Hazlewood once again emerged as his nemesis, dismissing the GT skipper for just 10 off eight deliveries and handing Royal Challengers Bengaluru a massive early breakthrough.
Gill entered the final carrying the hopes of an entire franchise after a spectacular season that included a match-winning century against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. However, the Australian fast bowler ensured
that Gujarat's biggest weapon was removed before he could settle.
Fans React as Shubman Gill Departs Cheaply in IPL Final
Gill's dismissal immediately triggered strong reactions across social media, with many fans questioning his record in title deciders and knockout matches.
Shubman Gill, when you said there would be some movement for the fast bowlers in the first 2–3 overs on this wicket, bro, you could have played accordingly. You have that game to get through those overs; you could have waited a little. pic.twitter.com/QQ8r99VG0I
- 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) May 31, 2026
"Shubman Gill, when you said there would be some movement for the fast bowlers in the first 2-3 overs on this wicket, bro, you could have played accordingly. You have that game to get through those overs; you could have waited a little," wrote one fan.
Cricket commentator Johns posted: "Shubman Gill dismissed for 10 from 8 balls. JOSH HAZLEWOOD IS THE MAN FOR RCB!"
Shubman Gill dismissed for 10 from 8 balls.
- Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 31, 2026
JOSH HAZELWOOD IS THE MAN FOR RCB.!!!! pic.twitter.com/pdb5NoKlW4
Bet your whole life, entire property, whatever you have whenever Shubman Gill plays a final 😂
- Rohit Bhalla (@TECxBEN) May 31, 2026
Blud never performs under pressure
Others were less forgiving, with one user writing: "Shubman Gill Again bottled in a final. We've never seen him performing in a pressure game. "
I've no grudges against Shubman Gill, but I have one request for the BCCI: if you want to win ICC trophies, find a perfect replacement for him in knockout matches and finals.
- N!!KPSG4(7) (@ElevateUrMind4) May 31, 2026
Shubman Gill Again Bottled In A Final again…. We’ve never seen him performing in a pressure game… #gt #rcb #gtvsrcb
- Nishika (@BBoundary7) May 31, 2026
Meanwhile, several fans highlighted Hazlewood's knack for delivering in big matches.
Shubman Gill always play against his own team in IPL Finals💀 pic.twitter.com/5mkewxh1ru
- Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 31, 2026
Josh Hazelwood was out of form in IPL 2026
- Raja (@_raja_kumar) May 31, 2026
But in the Final got the Big Wicket of Shubman Gill in first over
Big match player Hazelwood #GTvsRCB #RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/mihk6f1maF
"Josh Hazlewood was out of form in IPL 2026. But in the final got the big wicket of Shubman Gill in first over. Big match player Hazlewood," another fan posted.
Shubman Gill's Record in IPL Finals
Gill's early dismissal revived discussion around his performances in IPL finals.
| Season | Match | Score |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2021 Final | KKR vs CSK | 10 (8) |
| IPL 2022 Final | GT vs RR | 45* (43) |
| IPL 2023 Final | GT vs CSK | 39 (20) |
| IPL 2026 Final | GT vs RCB | 10 (8) |
While Gill has contributed useful innings in previous finals, Sunday's dismissal denied him the chance to produce another defining knock on the biggest stage.
Josh Hazlewood Continues to Trouble Gill
Hazlewood's dismissal of Gill was not a one-off.
The Australian pacer has consistently found success against the Gujarat skipper in T20 cricket.
Gill vs Hazlewood in T20s
- Runs: 59
- Balls: 41
- Dismissals: 3
- Average: 19.67
- Strike Rate: 143.90
The numbers underline Hazlewood's effectiveness against Gill, particularly with the new ball, where his hard lengths and relentless accuracy have repeatedly created problems.
Shubman Gill's Outstanding IPL 2026 Campaign
Despite the disappointment in the final, Gill's overall season remains one of the best by any batter in IPL 2026.
Shubman Gill in IPL 2026
- Innings: 16
- Runs: 732
- Average: 45.75
- Strike Rate: 163.03
- Hundreds: 1
- Fifties: 6
- Fours: 74
- Sixes: 33
- Best Knock: 104 off 53 balls vs Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2
Gill's century against Rajasthan Royals helped Gujarat pull off the highest successful chase in IPL playoff history and book their place in the final.
However, with the stakes at their highest, it was Hazlewood who delivered the first major blow of the night, leaving Gujarat Titans with an early mountain to climb in Ahmedabad.
