RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 Preview
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has ended its league stage of IPL 2026 with 18 points due to 9 wins this season. Similarly, the Gujarat Titans have also entered the playoff race with 18 points in their account. The only difference between these two teams is the run-rate, due to which RCB is at the top and GT is on 2nd position. So both teams will clash for Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 on 26 May at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala. RCB entered this game with a loss in their previous contest against SRH by 55 runs. Meanwhile, GT entered this game with confidence of winning against CSK in their previous contest. Here is the RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 Preview.
GT is such a complete squad that they don’t need any sudden changes in their team. The bowling unit is really tough with Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj attacking in the powerplay. While Rashid Khan is a man that any team needs in the middle overs with surprising wickets. With the inclusion of Jason Holder, GT has an extra key middle overs card to increase the load of opponents. It is the first time that GT and RCB have faced each other in the playoff contests. The winner of this contest will directly go to Ahmedabad for the final of IPL 2026.
Also Read: Can RCB defend their IPL title? Squad Analysis 2026
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head Record
Matches: 8
RCB Won: 4
GT Won: 4
RCB remained consistent and strong throughout the season so far while accepting some changes. They are so committed to their game, like last year’s success, and want to go directly to Ahmedabad. RCB also hopes that GT should not reach the final because the Titans are on a four-match winning streak at home. And also, it is their home where they won two contests despite losing the toss.
RCB Squad Analysis
RCB utilized very few players this season, but injuries hit them in the final stage of the tournament. Jacob Bethel has filled the gap left by Phil Salt as an opener this season, but he has also been removed due to injury. Now, Phil Salt is back in the squad, but Pattidar is not sure about his inclusion so far. Venkatesh Iyer will replace him in a high-voltage contest.
Virat Kohli is the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup with 557 runs with a 50.63 average in this season so far. Kohli is the key batter to counter the GT’s best bowling attack in the powerplay. If GT’s opening bowling spell gets an early breakthrough, then RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar is there for the remedy. Patidar can hit big shots into the night sky of Dharamsala, as is evident from his record in the middle overs. Tim David is available to counter the threat of Jason Holder and Rashid Khan in the middle overs. David is the explosive batter with a near 200 strike rate in this season of IPL 2026.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood are the top key bowlers of RCB, with B Kumar leading the most wickets table. The Australian, Josh Hazlewood, is not good at picking wickets while economy is great. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has got 24 wickets so far in this season with 8.07 economy.
GT Squad Analysis
The opening pair of the Gujarat Titans is perfect with the most runs in this season. Sai Sudharsan is at the top, and Shubman Gill is in second position on the most runs table of IPL 2026. Sudharsan has gathered 638 runs so far this season, while Shubman Gill has made 616, the most by any captain this season. They are enough to fight against Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s powerplay threat. In case of early loss, Jos Buttler can handle the situation. GT’s middle overs grip is good with the inclusion of Jason Holder.
Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit is slightly better than RCB due to their stats. Here are the GT top three bowlers with wickets so far.
- Kagiso Rabada (24 wickets)
- Rashid Khan (19 wickets)
- Mohammad Siraj (17 wickets)
They make GT the best bowling unit in the powerplay, and better than RCB. GT’s bowlers got 30 wickets in that phase of the game, and most importantly, with an 8.76 economy.
RCB vs GT Pitch Report, Dharamsala
The quick and small outfield with a flat surface will favor the chasing side at Dharamsala. The ball will remain low due to the low temperature at night in the hilly area of Dharamsala.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable 11
Rajat Patidar (C)
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Phil Salt/Venkatesh Iyer, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood.
Gujarat Titans Probable 11
Shubman Gill (C)
Sai Sudharsan, Jason Holder, Jos Buttler (WK), Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Kagiso Rabada, Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan, Prasidh Krishna.