In a bizarre turn of events during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), the toss was conducted twice, leaving players and fans perplexed. The incident occurred at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 29, 2026.
What Happened at the Toss?
During the initial coin toss, RR captain Sanju Samson called correctly and elected to bowl first. However, as the teams were about to take the field, the match referee intervened, stating that the toss was invalid due to a technical glitch. The official explained that the coin used was not the approved one, leading to a re-toss.
GT captain Shubman Gill and Samson returned to the center for a second toss. This time, Samson again called correctly but chose to bat first, a decision that drew reactions from the crowd and commentators.
Why Was the Toss Conducted Twice?
The IPL governing council confirmed that the first toss was voided because the coin did not meet the required specifications. According to IPL rules, the coin must be a standard 1.5-inch diameter metal coin. The first coin used was slightly smaller, prompting the re-toss.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred in cricket. In 2019, a similar situation happened during a Big Bash League match when the coin was deemed unsuitable. The IPL has since tightened regulations to prevent such glitches.
Impact on the Match
The double toss added an unexpected twist to the game. RR, after choosing to bat first, posted a competitive total of 185/5 in 20 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring 78 off 52 balls. GT, in response, managed 175/7, falling short by 10 runs. The win boosted RR's playoff hopes, while GT faced a setback.
Fans and experts took to social media to express their confusion and amusement over the incident. Many called for stricter protocols to avoid such disruptions in future matches.
The IPL 2026 season has been full of drama, and this unusual toss incident added another chapter to the tournament's rich history. As the league progresses, teams will hope for smoother proceedings in the remaining matches.
