The race to the IPL 2026 final begins with a blockbuster Qualifier 1 clash as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Dharamsala. Both teams have been among the most consistent sides this season and finished level on 18 points, but RCB secured the top spot courtesy of a superior net run rate. With a direct ticket to the final at stake, two of the tournament’s most explosive batting line-ups are set to collide at one of India’s most scenic yet high-scoring venues.
RCB enter the playoffs with enormous confidence despite suffering a heavy defeat in their final league-stage fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Even though they conceded 255 runs, Rajat Patidar’s side showed impressive resilience in the chase and ensured they protected their net run rate well enough to seal the No.1 position. Virat Kohli, Patidar, Krunal Pandya and the newly-promoted Venkatesh Iyer have all contributed significantly this season, while the bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood remains one of the most experienced in the competition.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans head into the playoffs after dismantling Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 89 runs in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan continue to be the most dominant opening pair of IPL 2026, consistently providing explosive starts. Add Jos Buttler’s finishing brilliance and a bowling attack featuring Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada, and GT look every bit like title contenders once again.
RCB vs GT, IPL 2026: Match details
- Date and Time: May 26, 7:30 PM IST / 2:00 PM GMT
- Venue: HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head Record in IPL
Matches played: 8 | RCB won: 4 | GT won: 4
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has traditionally been one of the best batting venues in the IPL. Located at a high altitude, the venue allows the ball to travel much quicker through the air, making strokeplay highly rewarding for aggressive batters. The fresh surface for the first IPL 2026 game at this ground is expected to offer excellent bounce and carry, allowing batters to trust the pace of the wicket.
Historically, first-innings totals around 185-190 have been common here, and another high-scoring encounter could be on the cards. However, fast bowlers are unlikely to be completely out of the game. The cool evening conditions and natural seam movement available in Dharamsala often help pacers during the powerplay overs. Bowlers who can swing the new ball early could still create damage before the pitch settles into a batting paradise.
Squads
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar, Venkatesh Iyer, Jordan Cox, Kanishk Chouhan, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Swapnil Singh, Nuwan Thushara, Jacob Bethell, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Satvik Deswal, Richard Gleeson
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Jason Holder, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Sai Kishore, Glenn Phillips, Nishant Sindhu, Kumar Kushagra, Anuj Rawat, Manav Suthar, Jayant Yadav, Arshad Khan, Gurnoor Brar, Ishant Sharma, Ashok Sharma, Kulwant Khejroliya, Luke Wood, Tom Banton
RCB vs GT, IPL 2026: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- RCB wins the toss and bowls first
- GT’s powerplay score: 55-65
- GT’s total score: 195-205
Case 2:
- GT wins the toss and bowls first
- RCB’s powerplay score: 60-70
- RCB’s total score: 200-210
Match Result Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match.
