As the IPL 2026 playoffs get set to begin with a blockbuster Qualifier 1 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), former India opener Kris Srikkanth has revealed his prediction for this season’s eventual champions. With both teams entering the playoffs after impressive league campaigns, the race for the title has intensified, and Srikkanth believes one side has quietly built the strongest case for glory.
Kris Srikkanth picks his favourite for IPL 2026 title
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the playoffs, Srikkanth praised Gujarat Titans for their consistency and composure throughout the tournament. The former India captain felt GT has played the most balanced cricket this season and has steadily improved as the competition progressed, especially talking about players like Jason Holder and Washington Sundar.
“I’ll give it to GT. They are the steady force who will reach their destination. They won’t go up or come down at jet speed. Overall, they’ve played better cricket than RCB. They have sorted out even their middle-order with Washington Sundar and Jason Holder. The only thing is they shouldn’t play Tewatia and instead play someone else there. As RR did with Archer, GT can bat Rashid Khan higher up. Holder should bat at 6 with Rashid at 7,” Srikkanth said.
GT have once again showcased their remarkable consistency in the IPL ecosystem. Since joining the league in 2022, they have emerged as one of the most reliable franchises, regularly reaching the playoffs and maintaining a strong winning culture under pressure.
Srikkanth calls RCB vs GT a “50-50” contest
Despite backing Gujarat Titans as title favourites, Srikkanth admitted that the Qualifier 1 clash in Dharamsala could be evenly poised because of the conditions at the HPCA Stadium. The venue’s batting-friendly surface and quick outfield are expected to create a high-scoring encounter between two explosive batting line-ups.
“It’ll be a 50-50 match because they are playing in Dharamsala. Had they been playing in New Chandigarh, RCB would have been the favorites. GT’s batting is too dependent on the top three. They somehow score every match, but if two of the three fail, they will be in trouble. For RCB to win, Padikkal and Kohli have to score. Their middle-order can either be rollicking or shaky. That’s why Kohli’s scoring is a must, and if he and Padikkal don’t have a partnership, RCB might have a problem,” he said.
Both teams eye direct qualification to IPL 2026 final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru finished at the top of the IPL 2026 points table after winning nine of their 14 league matches, edging GT on net run rate. However, RCB enter the playoffs after suffering a heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their final league fixture.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans sealed their top-two finish with a dominant win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK), powered by another commanding batting performance from Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler. The winner of Qualifier 1 will secure a direct berth in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, while the losing side will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 against either Sunrisers Hyderabad or Rajasthan Royals (RR).
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