RCB's Key Players Set to Shine in IPL Qualifier Against Gujarat Titans

In the IPL Qualifier one match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will rely on the exceptional skills of Rajat Patidar and Venkatesh Iyer to secure a direct finals spot against Gujarat Titans. Both players have impressive playoff records, with Patidar showcasing a remarkable average and strike rate, while Iyer brings consistent performance to the field. As they prepare for this crucial clash, fans are eager to see if these domestic veterans can lead RCB to victory. Will their experience be enough to overcome the challenge posed by GT? Read on to find out more about their stats and team lineups.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 13:56 IST

Crucial Matchup for RCB

In the upcoming Qualifier one match of the IPL, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face off against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Two standout players from Madhya Pradesh, captain Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer, are expected to play pivotal roles in securing a direct spot in the finals for their team.

Patidar and Iyer's Impressive Playoff Records

As RCB prepares to battle GT, the spotlight will be on Patidar and Iyer due to their remarkable performances in IPL playoffs. Rajat Patidar has amassed 245 runs in five playoff matches, boasting an impressive average of 81.66 and a strike rate exceeding 172, which includes a century and a fifty. His standout performance of 112* against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 eliminator is regarded as one of the best innings by an RCB player.

When considering his overall T20 knockout statistics, Patidar's record shines even brighter. Across eight matches, he has scored 420 runs at an average of 105 and a strike rate of 183.4, featuring one century and three fifties. This season, he has excelled under pressure, accumulating 393 runs in 13 innings with an average of 35.72 and a strike rate of 183.64, including four fifties and 32 sixes.

Venkatesh Iyer's Consistent Performance

Venkatesh Iyer, now playing his first IPL knockout match for RCB after a stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), has also made a significant impact. In five IPL knockout games, he has scored 234 runs at an average of 78 and a strike rate of over 149, including four half-centuries with a top score of 52*. Notably, these half-centuries have come consecutively from 2021 to 2024. This season, Iyer has been versatile, contributing as an 'Impact Player' and a middle-order batsman, amassing 158 runs in four innings at an average of 79.00 and a strike rate of 177.52, highlighted by a fifty and a best score of 73*.

Will RCB's Veterans Lead to Victory?

The question remains: can RCB's experienced players guide the team to a direct finals berth?

Team Lineups

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad

Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Philip Salt, Abhinandan Singh, Swapnil Singh, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Jacob Duffy, Richard Gleeson, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal.

Gujarat Titans Squad

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Anuj Rawat, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Kulwant Khejroliya, Kumar Kushagra, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Shahrukh Khan, Ishant Sharma, Luke Wood, Ashok Sharma, Connor Esterhuizen, Gurnoor Brar, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav.