Ravichandran Ashwin Predicts RCB as Favourites for IPL 2026 Final

RCB vs GT: A Clash of Titans in IPL 2026 Final

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian cricket star, has expressed confidence that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will emerge as the frontrunners in the IPL 2026 final, despite the Gujarat Titans (GT) having the advantage of playing on their home turf, where they have established a stronghold.

In the highly anticipated final set to take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, both teams are vying for their second IPL title. Ashwin commended RCB's bold and aggressive style of play, highlighting the contributions of seasoned players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have been pivotal this season. He noted that while GT's experience with local conditions is a key factor, RCB boasts a more well-rounded team.

Ashwin emphasized that RCB should maintain their aggressive gameplay, regardless of whether they bat or bowl first, labeling the final as "RCB's to lose."

'It is their final to lose': Ashwin on RCB's chances

Ashwin remarked, "The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they've dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that's really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final. The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season. GT's home ground and their familiarity with those conditions are the last piece of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title. For RCB, it doesn't matter whether they bat or bowl first, it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favourites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season," Ashwin stated during an interview on JioHotstar.

As RCB aims to defend their title, the Gujarat Titans are also looking to secure their second IPL championship following their victory in 2022.