RCB's Rajat Patidar Shines as They Crush Gujarat Titans to Reach IPL Final

In a thrilling IPL Qualifier 1, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru triumphed over the Gujarat Titans by 92 runs, securing their place in the final. Captain Rajat Patidar's explosive innings of 93 runs off 33 balls, coupled with a fierce bowling performance, dismantled the Titans' batting order. Despite a strong start, Gujarat faltered under pressure, ultimately bowled out for 162 runs. RCB's commanding total of 254 runs showcased their dominance, setting the stage for an exciting final. The Titans will have another chance to reach the final in their upcoming match against the winner of the Eliminator.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 10:41 IST

RCB Dominates Gujarat Titans in IPL Qualifier 1

Dharamsala: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning champions, secured their place in the IPL final for the second consecutive year with a commanding 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 held in Dharamsala on Tuesday. The team's captain, Rajat Patidar, delivered a spectacular performance, scoring an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 balls, while their bowlers dismantled the Titans' batting lineup during the powerplay.

After being asked to bat first, RCB set a formidable target of 254 runs for five wickets, with Patidar showcasing one of the season's most explosive innings, effortlessly hitting boundaries after receiving early life.

Patidar unleashed a barrage of runs in the final overs, propelling his team past the 250-run mark with style. He struck nine sixes and five fours, capitalizing on two dropped catches, as RCB amassed 86 runs in the last five overs alone, totaling 114 runs in the final six overs.

In their chase of the massive target, the Gujarat Titans needed a strong start, but their plans were thwarted early in the powerplay as both of their key openers fell cheaply.

Sai Sudharsan's dismissal was particularly unusual; his bat slipped from his grip while attempting a shot off Jacob Duffy (3/39), resulting in a bizarre hit on the stumps, leaving him stunned at 14 runs.

The Titans faced a more significant blow shortly after when their captain, Shubman Gill, was bowled out by the in-form Bhuvneshwar Kumar for just two runs, demonstrating his skill with the new ball.

Bhuvneshwar (2/28) proved to be a valuable asset, now holding the Purple Cap with 26 wickets. These early setbacks left Gujarat struggling against a motivated RCB bowling attack.

Josh Hazlewood (1/39) joined the action by dismissing Jos Buttler (29), while Rasikh Salam took two wickets in the final powerplay over, sending Nishant Sandhu (5) and Jason Holder (0) back to the pavilion, leaving the Titans reeling at 51 for five.

What began as a competitive match quickly turned into a one-sided affair as the Titans buckled under the pressure of the scoreboard.

Washington Sundar (8) and impact player Rahul Tewatia (68) faced an uphill battle, as the game had already become a formality given the challenge GT was up against.

Ultimately, the Titans were bowled out for 162 runs, allowing RCB to advance to their fifth IPL final (2009, 2011, 2016, 2025, 2026).

The Gujarat Titans, who were champions in 2022, will have another opportunity to reach the final on Friday when they face the winner of the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

RCB's innings began with a rapid pace, as Venkatesh Iyer (19) aggressively attacked Mohammed Siraj, hitting three boundaries before Kagiso Rabada dismissed him for 19 after conceding a six.

Rabada also challenged Virat Kohli with his pace and bounce in an exciting duel, but Kohli managed to score a brisk 43 runs. Together with Devdutt Padikkal (30), Kohli helped RCB reach a solid 76 for one during the powerplay.

The Titans fought back with disciplined bowling in the middle overs.

Rashid Khan bowled tightly, while Jason Holder took two wickets in three deliveries, dismissing Kohli and Padikkal, which significantly slowed RCB's momentum. Kulwant Khejroliya also kept things under control initially, allowing the Titans to regain some footing.

However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 14th over when Patidar, who was on 18 and 20, was dropped twice off Prasidh Krishna. The Titans' fielding fell apart soon after, with Khejroliya conceding 28 runs in a disastrous over filled with misfields, two no-balls, and a wide.

Patidar took full advantage, attacking both Khejroliya and Rashid Khan, while Krunal Pandya provided solid support in a rapid 95-run partnership. Krunal scored 43 runs before Rabada broke the partnership, but by then, Patidar had completely shifted the momentum in RCB's favor.

Patidar reached his fifty with a six off Rabada and continued his onslaught until the end, ensuring that the title holders finished with one of the highest totals in IPL playoff history.