RCB Secures IPL 2026 Final Spot with Dominant Victory Over Gujarat Titans

RCB's Impressive Performance in Qualifier

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) advanced to the IPL 2026 final after a commanding 92-run victory against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first qualifier held in Dharamsala on May 25. Thanks to Rajat Patidar's explosive innings of 93 runs off just 33 deliveries, RCB amassed a formidable total of 254 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. The bowlers from RCB showcased their skills right from the start, leaving the IPL 2022 champions struggling to chase the target, ultimately bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

GT faced an early setback with Sai Sudharsan being dismissed hit wicket for 14 runs off 9 balls. Captain Shubman Gill could not deliver a significant performance, scoring only 2 runs. Jos Buttler appeared to be a potential game-changer but fell for 29 runs. Once Buttler was out, GT's chances dwindled. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 3 wickets, while Rasikh Dar, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar each claimed 2 wickets.

RCB's Batting Brilliance

RCB opted to bat first and set a daunting target of 254 runs. Venkatesh Iyer provided a quick start with a cameo of 19 runs off 7 balls. Following Iyer's dismissal, Virat Kohli took charge, forming a partnership of 72 runs for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli scored 41 runs off just 20 balls before being dismissed for 43. During his innings, the former RCB captain made history by becoming the first player to score over 600 runs in four consecutive seasons.

Rajat Patidar initially played cautiously, reaching 14 runs off 10 balls at one point. However, he and Krunal Pandya targeted Kulwant Khejroliya in his second over, scoring 28 runs. Following this, Rajat unleashed his attacking style, finishing with an impressive strike rate of 281.82, scoring 93 runs off 33 balls, including 9 sixes and 5 fours. He narrowly missed out on a century by just seven runs. Pandya contributed significantly with 42 runs off 28 balls, while Jitesh Sharma added a quick 15 runs off 5 balls. Most GT bowlers struggled, conceding over 10 runs per over, except for Jason Holder and Rashid Khan. Despite the loss, GT still has a chance to qualify for the final.

RCB will compete against the winner of the second qualifier in the final scheduled for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, starting at 7:30 PM IST.