RCB Triumphs Over GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, Sudharsan's Unfortunate Dismissal Stuns Fans
RCB Secures Spot in IPL Final
In a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerged victorious against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026. This win marks RCB's second consecutive appearance in the final. Chasing a daunting target of 255 runs, the GT batting lineup struggled significantly. Sai Sudharsan, who had been in excellent form with four consecutive half-centuries, faced an unfortunate turn of events. His dismissal was particularly bizarre, making him a unique record-holder in IPL history.
During the third over of the second innings, Sudharsan executed a powerful cut shot off Jacob Duffy, sending the ball to the boundary. However, he lost grip on his bat, which slipped from his hands and struck the stumps, leaving him in disbelief. This unusual dismissal can be viewed here:
HOW UNFORTUNATE! 🤯Probably the only way to end Sai Sudharsan's streak of five 50-plus scores 🫣Updates ▶️ https://t.co/9rs6u5obOw#TATAIPL | #Qualifier1 | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/DbpVS0JUKw
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2026
Sai Sudharsan's Unique Record
Sudharsan's unfortunate dismissal marked him as the first player to be dismissed hit wicket on two occasions in IPL history. His initial hit-wicket incident occurred against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2022, when a bouncer from Kieron Pollard caused his bat to fly out of his hand and hit the stumps.
RCB's Dominant Performance
RCB set an impressive total of 254/5, the highest ever recorded in a playoff match in IPL history. Rajat Patidar was the standout performer, scoring 93 runs off just 33 balls, including nine sixes. Virat Kohli contributed with a quick 43 runs off 25 balls, while Krunal Pandya added another 43 runs in a rapid partnership with Patidar. The GT bowlers struggled, with Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each taking two wickets.
In response, the defending champions were bowled out for a mere 162 runs, with their pacers claiming five wickets during the powerplay. Rahul Tewatia's 68 runs off 43 balls came too late to change the outcome. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 3 wickets for 39 runs, supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya, who each took two wickets. RCB's victory secures their place in the IPL final for the second consecutive year.