RCB Dominates Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Final
RCB's Bowling Prowess Shines in IPL Final
In the IPL 2026 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), successfully limited Gujarat Titans (GT) to a modest score of 155 runs for 8 wickets. The standout performances came from the pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Josh Hazlewood, who showcased exceptional bowling skills. A combination of effective Powerplay bowling, sharp spin in the middle overs, and a collapse in the Titans' top order left them struggling for momentum during this crucial match.
Powerplay Struggles for Gujarat Titans
After winning the toss, GT captain Rajat Patidar opted to bat first. RCB's seamers quickly established their dominance by bowling at test-match lengths. Shubman Gill attempted an aggressive start but was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood after scoring just 10 runs in the third over. Sai Sudharsan also failed to make a significant impact, falling shortly after his captain. He managed only 12 runs before being caught by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma off a short ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. By the end of the Powerplay, GT found themselves at a precarious 45 for 2, with Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu at the crease.
Spinners Tighten the Grip
The introduction of spin further compounded Gujarat's difficulties. Krunal Pandya bowled a tight seventh over, conceding only five runs, which increased the pressure on the GT batters. Nishant Sindhu attempted to break free but fell to Rasikh Salam Dar, scoring 20 runs off 18 balls. RCB's bowlers maintained their grip, restricting GT to 73 for 3 after 12 overs. Krunal Pandya then claimed the wicket of Jos Buttler, who managed only 19 runs off 23 balls, leaving GT in a tough spot at 83 for 4 after 13 overs.
RCB's Relentless Pressure in the Final Overs
Arshad Khan and Washington Sundar tried to stabilize GT's innings, scoring 16 runs in the 14th over. However, Hazlewood struck again in the next over, dismissing Arshad for 15 runs off 6 balls. After 15 overs, GT was at 105 for 5, with Sundar joined by Rahul Tewatia. RCB continued to apply pressure, with Rasikh Salam Dar taking another wicket by dismissing Tewatia for 7 runs off 5 balls in the 17th over, leaving GT at 121 for 6.
Sundar and new batter Jason Holder managed to score 16 runs in the 18th over, bringing the team's total to 137 for 6. Bhuvneshwar Kumar added to his tally by dismissing Holder for 7 runs off 5 balls in the penultimate over, leaving GT at 145 for 7. Rashid Khan entered the crease and hit a six off the first ball of the last over but was dismissed by Rasikh Salam Dar on the next delivery, reducing GT to 151 for 8. Sundar reached a fifty off 37 balls, but GT could only add four more runs, finishing their innings at 155 for 8 in 20 overs.
RCB's Target to Defend Their Title
To defend their IPL title, RCB needs to chase down a target of 156 runs. The standout bowlers for RCB included Rasikh Salam Dar with figures of 3 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs, Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 2 wickets for 29 runs in 4 overs, and Josh Hazlewood with 2 wickets for 37 runs in 4 overs. Krunal Pandya also contributed by taking one wicket.