IPL 2026 final: RCB faces GT in a thrilling showdown

Cricket enthusiasts, the highly anticipated moment has arrived! The two-month-long cricket extravaganza culminates today with the IPL" class="text-primary-600 hover:text-primary-700 dark:text-primary-400 dark:hover:text-primary-300 underline transition-colors font-medium" title="View IPL cricket series">IPL" class="text-primary-600 hover:text-primary-700 dark:text-primary-400 dark:hover:text-primary-300 underline transition-colors font-medium" title="View IPL cricket series">IPL" class="text-primary-600 hover:text-primary-700 dark:text-primary-400 dark:hover:text-primary-300 underline transition-colors font-medium" title="View IPL cricket series">IPL" class="text-primary-600 hover:text-primary-700 dark:text-primary-400 dark:hover:text-primary-300 underline transition-colors font-medium" title="View IPL cricket series">IPL 2026 final. The atmosphere is electric, the players are primed for action, and the coveted trophy awaits its new champion. This evening at 7:30 PM, the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will clash with the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams are vying for their second title, with Bengaluru breaking their trophy drought last year and Gujarat having a stellar debut season by clinching the cup in 2022. The stakes are high, and history is on the line. Let’s dive into the details of this epic final. 

RCB vs GT: The Journey to the Final

Throughout this season, Bengaluru and Gujarat have emerged as the top contenders. Both teams secured 18 points in the standings, but RCB claimed the top position due to a superior net run rate, placing GT in second. Bengaluru secured their final spot by defeating Gujarat in Qualifier 1. However, GT remained resilient, bouncing back in Qualifier 2 by eliminating Rajasthan Royals, setting the stage for a rematch. Captain Shubman Gill sent a strong message to RCB with a blistering century off just 47 balls in their last encounter.

GT vs RCB: Who Has the Edge?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB's primary strength lies in their formidable bowling duo, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who have consistently troubled opponents this season. In batting, the experience of Virat Kohli combined with Venkatesh Iyer's aggressive approach provides a solid foundation. Captain Rajat Patidar has been leading effectively, and with finishers like Tim David and Krunal Pandya in the lineup, RCB appears to have a slight advantage on paper.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

GT's batting heavily relies on Shubman Gill and Sai Sudarshan, who have made chasing targets exceeding 200 seem effortless on multiple occasions this season. However, their middle order appears somewhat less robust compared to RCB. On the bowling front, the trio of Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Rashid Khan possesses the capability to dismantle any batting order.

Here's the head-to-head record 

RCB and GT have faced each other thrice this season, with the former prevailing twice.

The two teams have overall faced each other nine times, with the head-to-head record being 5-4 in RCB's favor.

In Ahmedabad, GT have recorded a win and a loss apiece against the Challengers. 

Here are the top player battles to watch out for from Final, IPL 2026:

Shubman Gill vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

In a high profile contest between two of the most in-form players of IPL 2026, Shubman Gill will go up against the might of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The GT captain is the currently the second-highest run scorer of the league, scoring 722 runs so far. He is coming off after scoring a sensational century against RR in qualifier 2 to take his side to the finals. 

Bhuvneshwar, on the other hand, has been RCB’s best bowler of the season, especially with the new ball. The right-arm pacer has picked up 26 wickets so far and can create problems for anyone. He will be RCB’s trump card in this high pressure clash against GT. 

Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada:

Two of the biggest icons of world cricket, Virat Kohli and Kagiso Rabada will meet in this epic contest. The GT pacer is currently the highest wicket taker of the season with 28 wickets to his name. He has troubled many top-order batters in this year’s league, and had dismissed Virat in the group stage encounter between the two sides. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, is still going strong in the league. The RCB opener has amassed 600 runs this season, with a strike rate of 164.38. He is the one who holds the RCB batting line-up together, and remains their most priced wicket.

Rajat Patidar vs Rashid Khan:

RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar has been a force to reckon with in IPL 2026 with the bat. He has led his side from the front, carrying the RCB middle-order by himself. The right-hander has smashed 486 runs with a strike rate of nearly 200. He played one of the all-time great knocks of IPL playoffs against GT in qualifier 1, and would like to replicate the same in the finals. But, he will face a tough challenge in Afghanistan’s spin wizard Rashid Khan. Despite having a poor outing against RR in the qualifier 2, he remains one of the most deadliest bowlers in T20 cricket. This face-off promises to be a cracking one.

RCB vs GT Pitch Report: A Batter's Paradise or a Bowler's Trap?

The final will take place on the same pitch where these teams previously met this season. The surface may grip the ball, leading to a slower pace and some uneven bounce. Spinners are expected to find good turn, suggesting that today's match could evolve into a low-scoring thriller where every run counts.

RCB vs GT Playing XI: The Probable Lineups

RCB Probable Playing XI

Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasik Salam Dar.

GT Probable Playing XI

Shubman Gill (Captain), Sai Sudarshan, Jos Buttler (Wicketkeeper), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sandhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.