The 9th match of IPL 2026 features a clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). This is a repeat of the 2022 final, and both teams are looking to establish early dominance in the tournament.

Here is the detailed information about the match:
Match Details
* Teams: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
* Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
* Time: 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT
* Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
* Weather: Warm and dry evening with temperatures around 34°C. No rain is expected.
Team Form & Performance
* Gujarat Titans (GT): They had a rough start this season, losing their opening game to Punjab Kings. Despite the loss, captain Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler (who moved to GT) showed good intent.
* Rajasthan Royals (RR): They are currently at the top of the table after a massive 8-wicket win over CSK. Teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi made headlines by scoring a 17-ball fifty in their first match.
Head-to-Head Record
| Stat | Details |
|—|—|
| Total Matches | 8 |
| GT Won | 6 |
| RR Won | 2 |
| At Ahmedabad | GT 2 – 1 RR |
Key Players to Watch
* Shubman Gill (GT): He is the “King of Ahmedabad,” with over 1,100 runs at this venue.
* Rashid Khan (GT): His spell against RR’s middle order will be the tactical highlight.
* Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR): He is in clinical form and provides explosive starts.
* Ravindra Jadeja (RR): Now playing for the Royals, his all-around skills and experience add massive balance to the side.
Pitch Report & Prediction
* Pitch: The Ahmedabad track is usually a batter’s paradise, but the red and black soil pitches here can also offer bounce to pacers and turn to spinners as the game progresses. In 2025, defending a total was much easier here than chasing.
* Win Probability:
* Gujarat Titans: 53.2%
* Rajasthan Royals: 46.8%
Verdict: While Rajasthan Royals are in red-hot form, Gujarat Titans are the favorites to win. GT has a historically dominant record against RR (6-2) and playing at their “fortress” in Ahmedabad gives them a significant psychological advantage. Expect a high-scoring game where the toss might play a crucial role.
Who are you backing—the home dominance of Gill or the youthful flair of the Royals?
