Rabada's Powerplay Surge Reshapes GT's IPL Fortunes

Kagiso Rabada took 7 Powerplay wickets across his last 4 IPL 2026 games for Gujarat Titans. That marks a jump from 2 wickets in his first 4 outings. His total of 9 scalps in overs 1-6 now leads the tournament, per Cricbuzz data.

Rabada targets right-handers with high-speed spells. Gujarat Titans chased 159 to beat Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets at Chepauk, wrapping it with 20 balls left. Rabada returned 3 for 25 to limit CSK to 158 for 7 after their top order folded. B Sai Sudharsan hit 87 off 46 balls with seven sixes in the pursuit, while Jos Buttler finished 39 not out. Shubman Gill bowled first on a pitch that aided seamers.

This form shift aids GT's campaign. Early struggles gave way to dominance as Rabada breaks open innings upfront. ESPNcricinfo notes CSK's collapse to 28 for 3 in the Powerplay, where Rabada's pace exploited conditions. Sudharsan anchored amid the wreckage. GT's bowlers now dictate terms; Rabada's economy tightens further in recent outings. Data shows his resurgence correlates with GT's rise up the table. No coincidence there.