Why Shubman Gill Is Not Playing In GT vs RR IPL 2026 Match Today?

Shubman Gill (Source: AP)In match 9 of the IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans is playing against the Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It is worth noting that the Rajasthan Royals defeated CSK by 8 wickets in their last match. On the other hand, the Punjab Kings defeated the Gujarat Titans by 3 wickets on March 31.In a significant development, Shubman Gill will not be playing GT vs RR match, and Rashid Khan has replaced him as the captain. He walked out for the toss alongside Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag.Talking about the toss, Rajasthan Royals have won the toss and opted to bat first. GT vs RR IPL 2026: Playing XIsRajasthan Royals Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Riyan Parag (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep SharmaGujarat Titans Playing XI : Kumar Kushagra, B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh KrishnaAlso Read: IPL 2026: GT vs RR Prediction, Match 9- Who Will Win Today?Impact Substitutes:Gujarat Titans: Shahrukh Khan, Jason Holder, Manav Suthar, Anuj Rawat, Jayant YadavRajasthan Royals: Ravi Bishnoi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Shubham Dubey, Brijesh Sharma, Ravi SinghWhy is Shubman Gill not playing in GT vs RR match 9?Gujarat Titans faced a major setback as captain Shubman Gill has been ruled out of the GT vs RR match. Shubman Gill was seen with a strap around his neck during the pre-match drills.Rashid Khan at the toss confirmed that Shubman Gill is suffering from a muscle spasm, which forced him to miss the game. The team management decided not to risk further injury."Shubman Gill got a little muscle spasm. He will be back very soon. [What are the changes to the XI?] Shubman misses out tonight. Kumar, I think KK (Kumar Kushagra) is in. He has been with the squad. He is playing his first game of the season. I am looking forward to seeing him." Rashid Khan said at the toss.It is vital to note that this is the first time Shubman Gill has missed a match for the Gujarat Titans.Who will replace Shubman Gill in GT's playing XI vs RR?In Gill’s absence, young player Kumar Kushagra has been included in the playing XI. GT, who are still searching for their first win this season, will rely heavily on players like Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler to deliver with the bat in Gill's absence.It is important to note that the Gujarat Titans have made other changes as well. They have placed Shahrukh Khan to the impact substitutes list. As the team is bowling first, GT has decided to include Prasidh Krishna in the playing XI.Who is Kumar Kushagra?Shubman Gill’s replacement in GT’s playing XI vs RR is Kumar Kushagra. He is a wicketkeeper-batter from Jharkhand and was retained by Gujarat at the price of ₹65 lakh before IPL 2026. He was also part of the Delhi Capitals in 2024.Also Read: RCB's Mr Nags Rage Baits Virat Kohli With 'Overseas Player' Jab