NEW DELHI: Following a 70-match league phase, the IPL 2026 playoffs have narrowed to four teams seeking a spot in Sunday’s final. Qualifier 1 pits Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans at Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium on Tuesday, with the winner advancing directly to the title match.
Both sides recorded nine wins from 14 league games, RCB finishing first on net run rate. The visitors rely on a deep batting order led by Virat Kohli, who scored 577 runs at a strike rate of 163.82. Phil Salt’s return adds further strength, while Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar have also posted strong numbers.
Gujarat Titans counter with a strong pace attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. Rabada has taken 24 wickets and Siraj 17 this season. Their new-ball bowlers have been effective in the Powerplay, setting up a key contest against RCB’s top order.
The match may hinge on the first six overs. RCB must handle the early threat from Rabada and Siraj, while GT’s opening pair of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill will face Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Bhuvneshwar leads the wicket-takers with 24 scalps.
GT’s middle order remains a concern if the top three fail. Success in the Powerplay could determine which side reaches the final.
