Rashid Khan Dropped? GT Strongest XI vs RR For IPL 2026, Match 52

 GT Strongest XI vs RR For IPL 2026 [Source: AP]

For the 52nd fixture of the IPL 2026 season, the Gujarat Titans will compete against the Rajasthan Royals on Saturday, May 9. The match will be held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur at 7:30 PM IST.

Both teams are neck-to-neck on the points table with 12 points each. Hence, this upcoming fixture becomes extremely crucial for GT and RR to strengthen their playoff odds.

As for recent form, GT beat a strong Punjab Kings’ side by 4 wickets in their last game. Jason Holder’s four-wicket-haul restricted PBKS to 163/9. In the chase, the Titans saw a strong start from Sai Sudharsan. 

Despite a late hiccup, Washington Sundar controlled the innings with a 40 off 23 balls to guide the Gujarat Titans home.

On the other hand, the Rajasthan Royals suffered a heavy loss against DC in their last game as they failed to defend 225 runs. Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul dominated with the bat and wrapped up the chase with 5 balls to spare.

That being said, ahead of the high-stakes clash, let’s see if the Gujarat Titans will alter their playing XI combination.

GT Playing XI vs RR - IPL 2026, Match 52

Top Order - Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler

The top order has been the Gujarat Titans’ key strength this IPL 2026 season. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill have scored over 350 runs each with an average of nearly 40.

The duo have had great successful partnerships in the past, and hence, Sai and Gill are expected to open for GT without a second thought.

Jos Buttler is also in decent form, scoring 335 runs in 10 games. Hence, he will continue to anchor GT’s innings at no. 3 in the GT Playing XI vs RR.

Also Read - Gujarat Titans Qualification Scenario for IPL 2026 Playoffs After Win vs PBKS

Middle Order - Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder

In the middle-order of the GT Playing XI vs RR, Washington Sundar has done a good job, scoring 209 runs with a 34.83 average. In difficult situations, Sundar has shown great composure and delivered match-winning knocks on multiple occasions.

Hence, Sundar will be a key piece in the Titans’ middle order. At no. 5, the Gujarat Titans went with Nishant Sindhu in the previous game, where the latter scored 15 runs. 

Since it is Sindhu's first game in this season, he is expected to be favoured over out-of-form batter Shah Rukh Khan. Rahul Tewatia and Jason Holder will play the role of finishers, as no better alternative exists with GT.

Bowlers - Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar

In the bowling department, Rashid Khan’s place is in doubt. He has picked up 11 wickets in 10 games but is yet to deliver a match-winning spell. However, Rashid is a big man, and dropping him at this stage would send the wrong message.

Hence, for now, Shubman Gill will have to trust Rashid Khan and continue playing him against RR.

Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj have been a successful pace duo for GT, and their spot in the playing XI is secured. Manav Suthar will support Sundar as the secondary spinner.

Jason Holder is also a full-time bowling option for GT, as he picked four wickets in the last game. Overall, the Gujarat Titans are expected to play the same playing XI vs RR.

GT Playing XI vs RR- Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar

GT vs RR Impact Player Options

GT Impact Players vs RR- Arshad Khan, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Kumar Kushagra

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