Jaiswal backs struggling RR bowlers after 77-run loss to GT in IPL 2026
Synopsis
Jaiswal refused to blame individuals after RR's 77-run collapse, defending Archer and backing the bowling unit to bounce back. With GT's openers dominating and Rashid Khan's four-wicket haul sealing the rout, RR's playoff hopes took a hit — but the stand-in captain insisted the focus is on learning and moving forward quickly.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Royals lost by 77 runs to Gujarat Titans on 9 May 2026 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium , Jaipur .
GT posted 229/4 on the back of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill 's dominant opening partnership.
Rashid Khan claimed 4 wickets to dismantle RR 's chase; Rajasthan managed 152 all out in 16.3 overs .
Jofra Archer went wicketless while conceding heavily, but Jaiswal defended the pacer, citing off days as part of cricket.
Jaiswal stressed the importance of learning from the defeat and focusing on the next fixture.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, standing in as Rajasthan Royals captain, defended his bowling unit after RR suffered a 77-run defeat to Gujarat Titans on 9 May 2026 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. GT posted 229/4, riding a commanding opening stand between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, before Rashid Khan claimed four wickets to dismantle RR's chase.
Bowling struggles on a batting-friendly surface
Rajasthan struggled to contain boundaries once Sudharsan and Gill settled, with the pair attacking aggressively through the powerplay and maintaining momentum in the middle overs. The pace attack, including Jofra Archer, failed to build sustained pressure on a batting-friendly Jaipur pitch. Archer endured a rare off day, finishing wicketless while conceding heavily.
Jaiswal defends Archer
Despite the England quick's poor outing, Jaiswal refused to single him out. "It's cricket. We all know that there's some days where you are in, there's some days where you cannot bowl how you want. But he's been doing so well for us, I think. So I think he'll be coming back very strongly," Jaiswal said. The stand-in captain emphasised that off performances are inevitable in the sport.
Selection call on Burger
Rajasthan had opted to leave out left-arm pacer Nandre Burger, drawing pre-match scrutiny. Jaiswal clarified that the selection was straightforward, focused on identifying bowlers suited to the powerplay. "I actually didn't think that much. I had simple plan who is my bowler and who can give me some good overs in the powerplay. So nothing much from my end," he explained.
Brief chase resistance before collapse
Rajasthan briefly threatened a remarkable turnaround after teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi struck 36 off 16 balls and Dhruv Jurel smashed 24 off 10 deliveries in a fiery powerplay. RR raced to 78/3 in six overs before GT's spin attack took over. Rashid Khan dismantled the middle order, removing Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, and others as Rajasthan collapsed to 152 all out in 16.3 overs.
Focus on learning and moving forward
Jaiswal sidestepped dwelling on the defeat, instead emphasising the need to analyse and improve before the next fixture. "Nothing much. I think we are going to look what we can do better and just look for the next game, what we can do and learn from this game," he said. The loss significantly damaged RR's net run rate, while GT consolidated their playoff position with one of their most complete performances of the season.
Point of View
But the inability to build pressure in the powerplay — when GT's openers were most dangerous — points to a tactical gap. With the playoff race tightening, RR cannot afford many more such complete performances against them. The real test is whether the management will make bolder selection calls or persist with the same combination.
NationPress
8 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the RR vs GT IPL match on 9 May 2026?
Gujarat Titans posted 229/4 and defeated Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs. RR managed 152 all out in 16.3 overs in response.
Who were the standout performers in the match?
Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill's opening partnership set up GT's total of 229/4. For RR, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (36 off 16) and Dhruv Jurel (24 off 10) provided brief resistance. Rashid Khan claimed 4 wickets to dismantle RR's chase.
Why did Jaiswal defend Jofra Archer despite his poor outing?
Archer went wicketless while conceding heavily, but Jaiswal said off days are inevitable in cricket and backed the England pacer to bounce back, citing his strong performances earlier in the season.
What was Rajasthan's strategy for the powerplay bowling?
Jaiswal said the selection was based on identifying bowlers who could perform well during the powerplay. The decision to leave out Nandre Burger was part of this focused approach, though RR still struggled to contain GT's openers.
