Rashid Khan's 4-33 masterclass: Dasgupta hails vintage leg-spin bowling vs RR
Synopsis
Rashid Khan's return to peak form — with three bowled and one lbw dismissal — exposed Rajasthan's vulnerabilities against stump-line leg-spin. His 4-33 wasn't just match-winning; it was a masterclass in attacking leg-break bowling that had former India keeper Deep Dasgupta invoking 'vintage Rashid'. For Gujarat, it signals their bowling attack has teeth when it matters most.
Key Takeaways
Rashid Khan took 4 for 33 as Gujarat Titans defeated Rajasthan Royals by 77 runs in IPL 2026 .
Three of Rashid's four wickets were bowled dismissals; one came via lbw, underlining stump-targeting precision.
Shubman Gill (84) and Sai Sudharsan (55) set up Gujarat's 229/4 total at Sawai Mansingh Stadium .
Rajasthan were bowled out for 152 in 16.3 overs .
Deep Dasgupta praised Rashid's vintage form, noting his relentless stump-line accuracy against left-handed batters.
Rashid Khan produced a decisive spell of 4 for 33 to dismantle Rajasthan Royals as Gujarat Titans secured a commanding 77-run victory at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday in IPL 2026. The Afghanistan leg-spinner's relentless stump-targeting line dismantled Rajasthan's chase after Gujarat posted 229/4, bowling the hosts out for 152 in 16.3 overs.
The anatomy of Rashid's spell
Rashid triggered Rajasthan's collapse by dismissing Dhruv Jurel and Donovan Ferreira in quick succession before removing Shubham Dubey and Ravindra Jadeja. Of his four wickets, three came as bowled dismissals and one through lbw — a stark testament to his pin-point accuracy at the stumps throughout the innings.
Dasgupta's analysis: 'Vintage Rashid'
Former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta praised Khan's return to peak form, highlighting the consistency with which he targeted the stumps. "It was the old, vintage Rashid today," Dasgupta told ESPNCricinfo. "If you remember when Rashid was at his best, almost every delivery was hitting the stumps." Analysing Dubey's dismissal — bowled from over the wicket to a left-hand batter — Dasgupta noted the precision required to land leg-breaks that skid through to the middle or off stump.
Why left-handers were vulnerable
Dasgupta underscored that Rashid becomes particularly dangerous against left-handed batters when bowling over the wicket with attacking intent. "The moment he starts bowling over the wicket to a left-hander and his leg-spin deliveries are hitting the stumps, he becomes very dangerous," Dasgupta said. This tactical approach was on full display as Rajasthan's left-side batting crumbled under sustained stump-line pressure.
Gujarat's batting foundation
The victory was built on a solid batting platform. Captain Shubman Gill anchored Gujarat's innings with a composed 84, while Sai Sudharsan contributed a fluent 55 to push the total past 220. This commanding first-innings score left Rajasthan chasing an uphill target — a task made impossible once Rashid found his rhythm.
What's next
With Rashid rediscovering his peak-form accuracy, Gujarat's bowling attack has regained a cutting edge in the tournament. For Rajasthan, the loss marks a significant setback in their playoff push as the IPL 2026 season enters its decisive phase.
Point of View
Rashid reminded everyone why he remains the game's most dangerous spinner when he finds his rhythm. Three bowled, one lbw: that's not luck, that's a bowler in complete control. For Gujarat, it's a reminder that their middle-order batting depth (Gill, Sudharsan) combined with world-class spin can dismantle any chase. For Rajasthan, the loss exposes a fragility against elite bowling when the pitch offers even marginal assistance.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Rashid Khan's performance in the Gujarat vs Rajasthan match?
Rashid Khan took 4 for 33 in Gujarat Titans' 77-run victory over Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. His spell included three bowled dismissals and one lbw, showcasing his precision at targeting the stumps.
Who did Rashid Khan dismiss in the match?
Rashid Khan dismissed Dhruv Jurel, Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, and Ravindra Jadeja. Three of these wickets were bowled dismissals, with Jadeja falling lbw.
What was Gujarat Titans' total in the match?
Gujarat Titans posted 229 for 4 wickets, built on the back of Shubman Gill's 84 and Sai Sudharsan's 55. This commanding total proved too much for Rajasthan Royals to chase.
Why did Deep Dasgupta praise Rashid Khan's bowling?
Dasgupta highlighted Rashid's return to peak form, noting that he consistently targeted the stumps with his leg-breaks, particularly against left-handed batters when bowling over the wicket. His accuracy and attacking intent reminded Dasgupta of Rashid's best performances.
