Former South African pacer Dale Steyn expressed that Gujarat Titans might regret missed opportunities after their narrow loss to Rajasthan Royals in a thrilling final-over match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Rajasthan Royals secured a six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in a nail-biting encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The match saw Rajasthan posting a competitive 210/6 while Gujarat’s chase, led by Sai Sudharsan, fell short despite late efforts from Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.
Steyn hailed the GT vs. RR match as the best of IPL 2026, highlighting the high stakes and intense drama. He noted that although Rajasthan emerged victorious, Gujarat displayed significant effort throughout the game. Steyn emphasized that Gujarat’s failure to capitalize on crucial moments was the deciding factor in their defeat. Looking ahead, Steyn mentioned that Gujarat Titans would rue their missed chances in this match during the playoff race.
Rajasthan’s win over Gujarat was a hard-fought one, contrasting with their previous victory against CSK. Steyn praised RR for their resilience in securing the win in a closely contested match that went down to the final over. He underlined the importance of seizing opportunities in tight matches like these, indicating a positive shift in Rajasthan’s approach this season. The victory was attributed to Tushar Deshpande’s exceptional final over, where he defended 11 runs with composure and precision, earning admiration from Steyn.
Steyn commended Deshpande’s ability to handle pressure and execute plans effectively, suggesting that his performance could draw attention from the Indian selectors. Deshpande’s display of game sense and fearless bowling in the critical final over was lauded by Steyn, who highlighted the significance of staying calm under high-pressure situations. The pacer’s performance was described as likely to keep him in the spotlight for a potential national team call-up during the IPL season.
