“The most important thing as a team is to prioritise the win first. And the net run rate, it will come,” stated Kagiso Rabada after his impressive bowling performance.
In a match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 20, 2026, Rabada took three wickets for just 33 runs. Despite his efforts, the Gujarat Titans were bowled out for a mere 100 runs in 15.5 overs, leading to a heavy defeat by 99 runs against the Mumbai Indians.
The Mumbai Indians dominated the game, scoring 199 runs for five wickets in their allotted overs. Tilak Varma was the standout performer for Mumbai, scoring an unbeaten 101 runs, while Naman Dhir contributed significantly with a score of 45.
Rabada’s early breakthroughs were noted during the match; he trapped debutant Danish Malewar in front of the stumps and provided his team with crucial momentum. His lethal opening spell was praised by analysts and fans alike.
Prior to this loss, Gujarat Titans had enjoyed a three-match winning streak and were looking to maintain their momentum. However, this defeat placed them sixth in the IPL 2026 standings with only six points from six games.
Despite the setback, there remains optimism within the team. “Despite the defeat, our Titans are well in contention for the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs spot,” a spokesperson commented after the match.
Looking ahead, Gujarat Titans will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24. This upcoming match presents an opportunity for them to bounce back and regain their form.
As they prepare for their next challenge, Rabada’s focus on prioritizing wins over net run rate may serve as a guiding principle for his teammates moving forward.
