RCB Triumphs Over Gujarat Titans to Secure IPL Final Spot
RCB Advances to IPL Final with Dominant Performance
In a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Gujarat Titans (GT) by a staggering 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, marking their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Despite the heavy defeat, Rahul Tewatia emerged as a standout performer, scoring 68 runs off 43 balls. His remarkable innings set a new IPL record for the highest score by a player batting at number seven or lower in a playoff match, surpassing the previous record held by the legendary MS Dhoni, who scored 63 runs in the 2013 final against Mumbai Indians.
Top Scores in IPL Playoff Matches from No. 7 or Lower:
| Player | Team | Runs | Balls | Against | Venue | Date |
| Rahul Tewatia | Gujarat Titans | 68 | 43 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Dharamsala | May 26, 2026 |
| MS Dhoni | Chennai Super Kings | 63* | 45 | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata | May 26, 2013 |
| Brad Hodge | Rajasthan Royals | 54* | 29 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi | May 22, 2013 |
| Andre Russell | Kolkata Knight Riders | 49* | 25 | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata | May 23, 2018 |
| Carlos Brathwaite | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 43* | 29 | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai (WS) | May 22, 2018 |
RCB's Stellar Performance Led by Rajat Patidar
RCB set a remarkable total of 254/5, the highest ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. Rajat Patidar was the highlight of the innings, smashing 93 runs off just 33 balls, including nine sixes. Virat Kohli contributed significantly with a quick 43 runs off 25 balls. A notable partnership of 95 runs between Patidar and Krunal Pandya (43 off 28) came in just 35 balls. On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each took two wickets.
The defending champions then restricted the 2022 titleholders to a mere 162 runs, with their pace attack claiming five wickets during the powerplay. Tewatia's innings, while impressive, was not enough to change the outcome. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler with figures of 3-39, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya each took two wickets. With this victory, RCB has secured their place in the IPL final for the second consecutive year.