RCB vs GT: The Grand Finale of IPL 2026
After an intense two-month journey featuring 73 matches, the moment has arrived for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to clash with the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. Both teams are vying for their second title, having previously celebrated their first victories at this very venue. RCB, the reigning champions, aims to etch their name in history by becoming the third team to win consecutive titles, following in the footsteps of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, the Titans, led by Shubman Gill, are eager to add another trophy to their collection after their inaugural win in 2022 under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.
Pitch and Weather Insights for the IPL 2026 Final
Pitch Analysis: The final will be held on pitch number 6 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, characterized by a mixed-soil composition of black and red. This pitch was previously utilized during the 2026 T20 World Cup final, where India achieved a remarkable total of 255 runs, winning by 96 runs against New Zealand. Notably, this same surface was used in the league match between RCB and GT, which the Titans won by five wickets after RCB was dismissed for a mere 155 runs. Throughout the tournament, the Titans have thrived on lively pitches, but it remains to be seen how they will perform on this surface without home advantage.
Weather Conditions: Ahmedabad is expected to remain dry, ensuring a result today. However, temperatures are soaring between 29 and 39 degrees Celsius, with dew potentially influencing the game due to the still conditions.
Probable Lineups for RCB and GT in IPL 2026 Final
RCB Expected XI (Including Impact Sub): Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (C), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam Dar
GT Expected XI (Including Impact Sub): Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
RCB Full Squad: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox, Philip Salt, Richard Gleeson, Swapnil Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal
GT Full Squad: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan, Luke Wood, Connor Esterhuizen, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Ashok Sharma