GT vs RR IPL 2026: Why Is Shubman Gill Not Playing Today Against The Rajasthan Royals?

Gujarat Titans have suffered a major setback ahead of their second match of IPL 2026, with captain Shubman Gill ruled out of the clash against Rajasthan Royals due to a muscle spasm. In his absence, star all-rounder Rashid Khan has stepped in to lead the side at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Gill's absence comes as a significant blow for the Titans, given his consistent performances and strong opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan in recent seasons.

"Shubman Gill has a muscle spasm, so he is not playing today, but hopefully he will be back soon," Rashid Khan said.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bat first, a decision that raised a few eyebrows considering the fresh conditions.

"We are batting first, and we

are looking to post a big total. We have made a few changes, considering the conditions. We want to be flexible as a team, as there is no point in playing one brand of cricket," Riyan Parag said.

Rashid admitted he would have preferred to bowl first had the toss gone his way but remained content with the outcome.

"We would have bowled first as it is a fresh wicket. I am happy with the outcome of the toss. There is a need to improve as a team in the batting and bowling departments," he said.

GT vs RR: Playing 11

Gujarat Titans XI: Kumar Kushagra, B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan (capt), Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma

Impact Subs: Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Manav Suthar, Anuj Rawat, Jayant Yadav

Rajasthan Royals XI: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (capt), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma

Impact Subs: Ravi Singh, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Shubham Dubey, Brijesh Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi