“The most important thing as a team is to prioritise the win first. And the net run rate, it will come,” said Kagiso Rabada after a challenging match on April 20, 2026.
At Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rabada’s efforts with the ball shone through despite the Gujarat Titans’ overwhelming defeat to the Mumbai Indians. He took 3 wickets for just 33 runs, showcasing his skill and determination even as the rest of his team faltered.
The Titans were bowled out for a mere 100 runs in just 15.5 overs, while Mumbai scored an impressive 199 runs for 5 wickets. Tilak Varma led the charge for Mumbai, scoring a stellar 101 not out, while Naman Dhir supported him with a solid 45 runs.
Rabada started strong—”KG delivered lethal opening spell,” noted an observer. He provided an early breakthrough by trapping debutant Danish Malewar in front of the stumps. Yet, despite his performance, the Titans crumbled under pressure.
This loss marked a significant shift for the Gujarat Titans, who had enjoyed a three-match winning streak prior to this game. The defeat placed them sixth in the IPL 2026 standings with only six points from six games—a stark contrast to their earlier momentum.
Looking ahead, the Titans are set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24. They will need to regroup quickly if they hope to reclaim their position in playoff contention.
In light of this setback, Rabada emphasized the importance of focusing on victories rather than net run rate, hinting at a broader strategy for the team moving forward.
Despite the defeat, there remains optimism within the camp—”Despite the defeat, our Titans are well in contention for the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs spot,” stated another team member. This resilience will be crucial as they prepare for their next challenge.
