HIGHLIGHTS Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Match Qualifier 1 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back to GT's reply with the bat. They will need a Herculean effort to execute to chase this down. The RCB players walk through the fireworks and Patidar has his men in a huddle before spreading out to the park. The consistent opening pair of GT, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, have made their way to the crease. A teaser from Kohli as he held the new ball but took back his cap from the on-field umpire before running to his spot. It is not Bhuvneshwar, nor Hazlewood, but Jacob Duffy will be opening the attack for the defending champions. A slip in place. Sudharsan to face. Here we go again...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Lights out in Dharamshala - For those wondering why the second inning hasn't started yet, there's a mid-inning entertainment going on at the venue. For now, the lights are dimmed at the HPCA Stadium as two skilled female violinists are serenading the crowd. And now, a sight to behold as a spectacular music show with kaleidoscopic, colourful laser lights floods the ground, painting the night in vivid colour as the crowd soaks it all in, getting their money's worth. It is now followed by a streak of fireworks tearing into the night sky, erupting in dazzling colours. And with that, the mid-innings show draws to a close. Live visuals now show that a couple of RCB bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, are out for the warmups. Sai Sudharsan is can be seen gearing himself up near the ropes as well. While Shubman Gill is seated in the dugout, waiting to go out. The chase is all set to resume in a few minutes' time. Stay tuned.

A massive climb ahead for the Titans - It was a breathless batting display by Patidar, and to scale this mountain of 255 runs, the Gujarat Titans will have to bring something really extraordinary to the table tonight. They have heavily depended on their top order and RCB will aim to break through that wall as quickly as possible. Remember, the winner of this Qualifier 1 clash will make it through to the final and right now, the defending champions have given themselves a real chance to do so. But never say never in cricket. Back in a bit with the run chase.

Fielding errors bleed through GT - With two set batters dismissed in super-quick time, RCB were forced to reconstruct. On a ground where the success ratio for the spinners is absolutely minimal, Rashid Khan bowled a couple of quiet overs to squeeze on. However, a far too many fielding lapses bled across the GT camp. And with a couple of costly dropped catches, both Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya unleashed themselves into the fifth gear. There was a sudden momentum shift when the onslaught was on from both ends. Though Krunal was dismissed eventually by Rabada who put an end to a jaw-dropping 95-run stand, Patidar just seemed unstoppable. Though he missed his century by an arm's length, RCB managed to smash 156 runs in the last ten overs.

Kohli-Padikkal punish, Holder aces later - There was no hint of grass on the surface, just a few cracks to deal with, but overall, it was a superb batting track. RCB started off in an emphatic fashion as first it was Venkatesh Iyer who provided the early fireworks before departing. Kohli and Padikkal then took on the mantle to boss the Powerplay, with RCB flying to 76/1 in the restrictions. Both accessed all parts of the ground with minimum fuss and batted with attacking intent throughout their alliance. However, just when things looked ominous for GT, it was Holder who ended Kohli's and Padikkal's fun, dismissing both in the same over. RCB were reduced from 93/1 to 94/3 in just the span of three balls.

Patidar smashes it out of the park - Since the halfway stage of the innings, it's been a one-way traffic in favor of the defending champions and right at the centre of it was the skipper, Rajat Patidar. We have just witnessed some of the most brutal ball-hitting by him and that too in a knockout stage. He is received with a warm applause from his teammates and the RCB faithful in the crowd as such has been the quality of his knock this evening. This is now the highest first-inning score in the history of the IPL playoffs, as per the on-air commentators. A sorry state for the Titans, though much of it has been of their own making tonight. Any bowler can be taken to the cleaners in this format, but if the fielding is not up to the mark, it can cost you dearly. Patidar was dropped on 20 and he did all the damage after that.

Prasidh Krishna to Jitesh Sharma, A couple of runs to end the innings! Prasidh Krishna bangs this into the pitch, on middle, takes pace off. Jitesh Sharma miscues his pull towards long on, but the batters have enough time to get the second run. Royal Challengers Bengaluru finish on 254/5!

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Low full toss, on middle, Rajat Patidar lobs it towards long on for one. There will be no hundred for him, but this has been one of the best playoffs knocks of all time.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Down the ground and into the 90s goes Rajat Patidar! Much fuller and on middle, Rajat Patidar stays deep inside his crease, gets under the ball and tonks it over the bowler's head for a biggie. 250 UP FOR RCB.

Prasidh Krishna to Jitesh Sharma, Uppish but safe! Pitched up and around off, takes pace off, Jitesh Sharma swings wildly at it and it skews off the outside edge wide of backward point. Two fielders chase after it, with one of them pushing the ball back with a dive. The batters take two and then decide on the third as well. The throw comes in at the keeper's end, where Jos Buttler fails to collect the ball, with Patidar putting in a desperate dive.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Fuller and on middle and leg, angles in, Rajat Patidar backs away and lofts it towards long on for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, SIX! There is no stopping the RCB skipper! This is a gift, though, a full toss, angling into the pads. Easy pickings for Rajat Patidar as he whips it over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Final over left. RCB look well on course to breach the 250-run figure with the way Patidar is going about his business. And the Gujarat Titans have decided to use their Impact Sub option by bringing in Rahul Tewatia, while Kulwant Khejroliya has been subbed out. Prasidh Krishna (3-0-34-1) will bowl the last over.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, SIX! 21 runs off the over! Mohammed Siraj misses the yorker and serves this right in the slot, on middle. Jitesh Sharma gets his front foot out of the way and launches it over the long on fence for half a dozen more. 250 is still on for RCB.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, FOUR! Connects this time! Back of a length and just outside off, Jitesh Sharma throws his bat at it and scythes it through backward point for another boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Jitesh Sharma, Hard-length delivery, on off, jags back in, Jitesh Sharma tries to punch it away but fails to connect.

Mohammed Siraj to Rajat Patidar, Nails the yorker, on middle, angles in, Rajat Patidar forces it down to long on for a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! 10 off the first 2 balls! Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in, Rajat Patidar stays deep and shovels it off the inner half of the bat. He splits the gap perfectly between deep mid-wicket and long on for a boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Perfect start to the over! A full toss, outside off, Rajat Patidar reaches out for it and slashes hard. His bottom hand comes off but he ends up slicing it over the deep point fence for a biggie.

Prasidh Krishna to Tim David, OUT! CASTLED! The extra ball brings in a wicket for Prasidh Krishna. He goes fuller and on middle, good pace on it and just shapes in a touch. Tim David clears his front leg to slog it across the line but misses it completely and the ball rattles the stumps behind. RCB are 214/5, and Jitesh Sharma is the new batter in for them. Mohammed Siraj will bowl the penultimate over.

Despite a boundary, this has been a fine over from Krishna.

Prasidh Krishna to Tim David, WIDE! Tries the bouncer, on middle, but too high for the batter, Tim David lets it go. Called a wide.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Fine yorker again, on off, Rajat Patidar can only dig it down to long off for one.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Another misfield! Prasidh Krishna gets the yorker right again, on middle, angles in, Rajat Patidar tries to dig it out but gets an inside edge towards short fine. It is not far from the fielder, but Kulwant Khejroliya dives over the ball to his left and lets it through for a boundary. Gill is not happy with that effort and lets his frustration be known to the fielder, and rightly so.

Prasidh Krishna to Tim David, Short of a length and on middle, Tim David heaves it to deep mid-wicket for another run.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, In the blockhole, on middle and leg, tailing in as well, Rajat Patidar tucks it through square leg for a run.

Prasidh Krishna to Tim David, Touch fuller and on off, Tim David knocks it towards mid off for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Tim David, WIDE! Good length but angling down the leg side, Tim David fails to flick it away. Wided.

Last 3 overs left in the first innings. Prasidh Krishna (2-0-24-0) is brought back on, replacing Rashid Khan.

Kagiso Rabada to Tim David, Fuller and around off, Tim David jams it out towards the left of extra cover. Sai Sudharsan gets across and dives to cut it off. Just a single. 15 runs off the over.

Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, Pitched up and on middle and leg, Rajat Patidar drills it to long on for one.

Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, SIX! 200 UP FOR RCB! That is a shot worthy of being put in a museum. Kagiso Rabada hits the deck hard, just around off. Rajat Patidar gets on his toes, extends his arms and powers it over the deep extra cover fence for another biggie. Kohli's reaction in the hit says it all.

Kagiso Rabada to Rajat Patidar, SIX! FIFTY FOR PATIDAR! Off just 21 balls. That's his 5th IPL half century. Short of a length and on off. Rajat Patidar picks up the length early and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie. Captain leading from the front for RCB, and this has been a special knock when it mattered the most.

Kagiso Rabada to Tim David, Back of a length and around off, Tim David looks to push it away but gets an inside edge to the leg side for a single.

End of a highly entertaining 95-run stand. Rabada is the one who does the job again. In walks Tim David at number 6.

Kagiso Rabada to Krunal Pandya, OUT! TAKEN! Kagiso Rabada gets a big wicket on his return to the attack. He bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, takes pace off. Krunal Pandya looks to pull it away but gets tucked up and cannot free his arms. It flies off the top edge towards deep mid-wicket, where Sai Sudharsan comes forward, takes it very low, but manages to hold on to it. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are 189/4 in 16.1 overs.

49 runs in the last 2 overs for RCB. Things are looking ominous again for the Titans and Kagiso Rabada (3-0-39-1) has been brought back on. He replaces Kulwant Khejroliya.

Rashid Khan to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Into the stands! Flighted delivery, full and just outside off, keeping it away from the batter. Rajat Patidar extends his arms, hits through the line and carves it way over the deep extra cover fence for half a dozen more. 21 runs off the over and all Rashid can do is put on a wry smile.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, A googly, full and around off, turns away, Krunal Pandya uses his feet and slices it over cover-point for one.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, SIX! Krunal Pandya's turn now! Tossed up, full and on middle, in the slot this time. Pandya gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Rashid Khan to Rajat Patidar, Quicker and shorter, on middle, Rajat Patidar forces it down to long on for a run.

Rashid Khan to Rajat Patidar, SIX! BOOM! Rashid Khan drops it short again and on off, Rajat Patidar opens up his stance and swats it down the ground. It goes off the bottom part of his, but he generates enough power to send it over long on for a biggie.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, Floated, short and outside off, Krunal Pandya goes down and drags it to long on for a single.

Strategic Break! Gujarat Titans needed this break after that 28-run over. Suddenly, dropped catches and sloppiness in the field are creeping in for the Titans, and they have to be sharper in the last four overs. Shubman Gill needs to rally behind his players and calm themselves down as this last phase of this innings could make or break this game. GT desperately need to bring an end to this stand, while RCB, with all the firepower still left, will look to score well in excess of 200 now.  Rashid Khan (2-0-8-0) has been summoned into the attack to put on a lid.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Kulwant has been taken to the cleaners. Juicy full toss, on middle and off. Rajat Patidar stands deep inside the crease and smokes it comfortably behind cow corner for a cracking six. 28 runs off the over. A huge momentum shift.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, SIX! Goes all the way! This is turning out to be a very expensive over for GT. Kulwant Khejroliya seems to be a bit rattled now. Strays it onto the pads, on a fuller length. Easy pickings for Rajat as he whips it off his legs and dumps it behind the long leg fence for a six.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! He has picked the bones out of it! Slower ball, full and just outside off. Patidar reads it early, clears the front leg away and drills hard and flat down the ground, clearing Holder at mid off. Rashid sprints across from long on to his left and flings himself into a dive. Gets his hands on it, but as he attempts to release, he comes in contact with the ropes. The replays confirm the same.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, NO BALL! Well bowled, but Kulwant has overstepped this time. A yorker on the stumps, Krunal Pandya carves it wide of mid off and cover for a single. Another Free Hit loading...

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Misfield. A schoolboy error by Nishant Sindhu and the misfields are bleeding across GT's players now. Gill is not happy with that at all, and understandably so. Short and fairly outside off. Patidar clears the front leg and cuts hard on the bounce to Sindhu at deep point. Nishant gets behind it, gets his hands on it, but cannot hold on as the ball spins past him into the fence.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, WIDE! Misses the radar completely and sprays it far outside off, breaching the tramline. Krunal throws the kitchen sink at it to smash cut it behind point, but misses. Wide given.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Into the gap! A high full toss, almost above the waist, on off. Krunal Pandya hops to deal with it and guides it between the backward point and short third fielders to pick up a boundary. The on-field umpires are checking whether it is above waist height and in fact, RCB have gone upstairs for a review. The Ball Tracking comes up with a side on angle. Krunal's waist measures 0.957 meters, but the ball comes at a height of 1.151 meters. So it is well above the waist and it is a No Ball. Free Hit coming up.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, Tries the yorker, but it comes out as a low full toss, on middle. Patidar gets his front leg out of the way and heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for an easy single.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, Overpitched, on off, with pace taken off by Khejroliya. Krunal smashes it to long off's right for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, Short in length, on top of middle and leg. Krunal Pandya arches back and plays the tennis forehand shot straight back at the bowler. The ball deflects off Krishna's right shin and rolls down the ground for a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, Length ball, outside off, dabbed off the back foot, but straight to short third.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Top shot! A low full toss, around off. Krunal Pandya opens the bat face at the point of contact and neatly slices it through the narrow gap between short third and backward point. The two fielders there are at almost an arm's distance, but the ball bisects them both and runs to the fence.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, DROPPED! Kagiso Rabada is the guilty party and this was a much simpler chance than the previous one. Short and wide outside off. Patidar rocks back and pulls hard and flat. Rabada charges in from deep backward square, dives forward and gets both hands to it but cannot hold on. Chance down again and Gill cannot quite believe it. Patidar gets another lifeline. One taken.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, FOUR! Nicely played! Too short from Prasidh, the off cutter on top of middle. Rajat Patidar waits and with no intentions to keep it down the ground, he goes for the pull shot. Gets a big top edge, but the ball flies over short fine leg for a boundary.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Straight up, but lands safe! In fact, put down in the deep. Just for a moment, it looked like Buttler and Kulwant were about to collide into each other. Fuller on the off stump, angling back in sharply. Patidar clears the front leg and swings hard across the line, but gets a thick top edge that spirals high behind the keeper. Kulwant Khejroliya is charging in from deep third to his left and flings himself full length, but the ball just eludes his fingertips. Buttler also tracks it from behind the stumps, closes in, but cannot quite get there either. Two taken.

An excellent over to snatch the momentum back. Prasidh Krishna needs to follow it up well now.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, Yes, he can! Just three singles from it. Over the stump, full and on off. Rajat Patidar clears the front leg to heave it over mid-wicket. Only manages an inside edge and the ball is squirted past backward square leg for a single.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, In-angler on a back of a length. Krunal stays back and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run. It's been a fantastic over so far from Kulwant. Can he finish it off well?

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, Beaten by bounce again! Just outside off, on a good length and stays considerably low to beat Krunal's attempted pull shot across the line. Sneaks below the inside edge and bounces back to the keeper.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, Nearly chopped on! Slanted into the batter, shade fuller in length. Krunal Pandya backs away to hit it inside out over cover, but gets a massive inside edge onto the pads and the ball rolls on the pitch.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Krunal Pandya, Good channel! In and around the off pole, on a length, jagging back in. Krunal Pandya covers the stumps and tries to guide it behind on the off side, but gets beaten on the outside edge by a whisker.

Kulwant Khejroliya to Rajat Patidar, Starts off with a length ball, on off. Rajat Patidar looks to smoke it downtown, but hits it off the toe end and it barely breaches the inner ring. The mid off fielder moves to his right and the batters take a single.

Kulwant Khejroliya has been introduced into the attack now.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, SIX! How has he played that? This is banged short and angled into the batter. Krunal Pandya shuffles a long way across to help it behind, gets nearly undone by the uneven bounce, but still manages to scoop it over the keeper's head for a six.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Up and over! Krishna errs in line this time, as this is a juicy half-volley, on off, angling in from around the stump. Krunal Pandya chips it over Gill at mid off and the ball beats the GT skipper's chase.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, And again! Length ball, outside off. Krunal swivels to pull, but gets beaten all ends up as the ball goes underground once again after landing on one of those cracks.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Oh, well bowled! Hits the hard length and gets the ball to jag back in and it almost dies on the batter. Rajat swings for the pull shot, but is beaten by the lack of bounce. Jos Buttler gets a bat bounce and parries it away to the right. They cross for a bye.

Prasidh Krishna to Krunal Pandya, Short of a length, at 130.5 kph, across the batter. Krunal advances a bit and slashes it over point. Kagiso Rabada moves a bit to his right in the deep. Stops the ball, but since his momentum is taking him beyond the ropes, he manages to flick the ball into the playing area. Just a single.

Prasidh Krishna to Rajat Patidar, Krishna starts with a hard-length delivery, outside off. Patidar presses back, lets the ball cut into him and then dabs it late in front of backward point for a single.

Jason Holder to Krunal Pandya, FOUR! Puts it away! A rare loosener tonight by Holder. Sprays it onto the pads, full in length. Pandya's head falls over, but he manages to whip it between short fine leg and square leg for a boundary. 13 runs off the over. But end of a superb spell from Holder. 4-0-39-2 for him.

Jason Holder to Krunal Pandya, From around the stump now. Closer to the bodyline, on off, on a length. Pandya hops to ride the bounce and eases it to backward point.

Jason Holder to Rajat Patidar, Hits the hard length, on top of off, at 132.5 kph. Rajat hangs back and stabs it wide of backward point for a single.

Jason Holder to Krunal Pandya, Full and outside off, angling away. Krunal forces the drive through extra cover for a run.

Jason Holder to Rajat Patidar, Around off, on a length, Rajat dabs it late to deep third and crosses over for a single.

Jason Holder to Rajat Patidar, SIX! PUNISHED! Short of a length, on top of middle. Rajat Patidar arches back, tranfers the weight on the back foot and nails the pull shot behind deep mid-wicket for a flat six.

Halfway through the first innings. The Titans have roared back in the contest with two quick wickets. Just 7 runs have come from the last 2 overs. Jason Holder (3-0-26-2) will bowl out.

Rashid Khan to Rajat Patidar, Another short delivery, on off, Rajat Patidar pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, Sloppy! Darts in a yorker, on middle, Krunal Pandya jams it back towards the bowler, where Rashid lets it through his legs for a run.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, Fires this one full, on middle, Krunal Pandya drills it back to the bowler.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, Flatter, full and around off, skids through a bit, Krunal Pandya goes down for the sweep but misses.

Rashid Khan to Krunal Pandya, Goes short again, on middle and off, Krunal Pandya defends it on the back foot.

Rashid Khan to Rajat Patidar, Shorter in length and on middle, Rajat Patidar punches it down to long on for a single.

Jason Holder to Krunal Pandya, Short and outside off again, Krunal Pandya slaps it wide of sweeper cover for a brace.

Jason Holder to Krunal Pandya, Hard length and outside off, angling away, Krunal Pandya misses out on the cut.

GT needed something to break this momentum and they got through Holder. He has been reliable in this middle phase for the Titans and is proving just so again. 93/1 becomes 94/3 for RCB. And Krunal Pandya is the new man in at number 5.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Jason Holder has turned this game on its head with a double strike. From over the wicket, he bowls this on a good length and in the channel outside off, gets it to move away a bit too. Devdutt Padikkal gets stuck in his crease and opens his bat face to try and run it down to third man, but ends up getting a slight nick behind, where Jos Buttler makes no mistake. There is a big appeal, and after a bit of thinking, the umpire raises his finger. Holder is off again, but Padikkal takes a review after a chat with his partner. UltraEdge shows a big spike, confirming the edge. RCB lose both set batters and a review as well.

Jason Holder to Rajat Patidar, On a length and on leg, Rajat Patidar clips it through mid-wicket for a run.

Spot on, Haydos. For those wondering, when Ravi Shastri asked him on air about the pitch, just before the previous ball was bowled, GT's batting coach Matthew Hayden reckons that it looks a bit two-paced to him. Though he feels it has played well. He details that the odd one has come back in to trouble the batters, and expects that those cracks will come into play as the ball gets older. Rajat Patidar is the new batter in at number 4.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, OUT! DRAGGED ON! Jason Holder strikes gold for the Titans. The West Indian gets Kohli again this season, and in almost identical fashion too. A real sense of deja vu as he once again wins that battle. He lands this short of a length and around off, holds up on the surface a bit and comes back in a touch. Virat Kohli stays back and looks to heave across the line, but only manages to get an inside edge back onto the stumps. Holder is off in celebration, and no one can catch him. Massive wicket in the context of this game, as Kohli trudges off after a quick cameo. RCB are 93/2.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Back of a length and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal backs away and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Although this venue has the lowest success rate for the spinners, as per the on-air graphic, this was a much better over from GT's pov. Jason Holder (2-0-22-0) to bowl three in a row.

Rashid Khan to Devdutt Padikkal, Quicker, full and on leg, Devdutt Padikkal works it to deep backward square leg for one more. Just 6 runs off the Rashid's first over!

Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Goes short again, on middle, Virat Kohli flicks it off the back foot through square leg for one.

Rashid Khan to Devdutt Padikkal, Drags his length back, on middle, Devdutt Padikkal swipes it off the inner half of the bat to deep square leg for another run.

Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, A loopy full toss, on middle, Virat Kohli drills it a bit uppishly down the pitch. Rashid Khan sticks out his right foot but does not make any contact as the ball crashes onto the stumps at the bowler's end and deflects away. They cross.

Rashid Khan to Devdutt Padikkal, Flatter, short and on leg, Devdutt Padikkal stays back to clip it away but misses and the ball goes off his pads to the off side. Kohli calls him for the leg bye, and he responds. Buttler quickly moves to the ball, turns around and throws it at the bowler's end but misses, with Paddikal having to hurry a bit.

Rashid Khan to Virat Kohli, Floated, short and around off, Virat Kohli moves back and punches it to sweeper cover for a single.

Righto. Time for Rashid to roll his arm over? Absolutely. Rashid Khan replaces Kagiso Rabada.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Hits the deck hard and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal nudges it off his hips wide of deep backward square leg for a brace.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, A slower one, full and outside off, Virat Kohli moves a bit too far to the leg side. He reaches out and jams it through covers for one.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Good length and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal makes room, opens the bat face and guides it to deep third for another run.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, Pitched up and on middle, angling in, Virat Kohli drills it off the bottom half of the bat towards long on for a run.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Gets it away! Jason Holder sees the batter backing away, follows him by banging this into the pitch, angling into the leg stump. Virat Kohli does not have that much room but he still manages to swivel and heave it away to the deep square leg fence for a boundary.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Short of a length and around leg, Devdutt Padikkal gets inside the line to pull but gets hurried. His bottom hand comes off the bat and he mistimes the shot towards square leg for a single.

STRATEGIC BREAK! Let's take a breather, shall we? Well, more than us, the Titans need this break to recalibrate, as their premier bowlers have been taken apart in the Powerplay. Venkatesh Iyer came out with intent but couldn't stay for long. However, that hasn't slowed down the defending champions one bit, with Padikkal and Kohli batting with an attacking mindset. It's a fantastic batting wicket, just that the odd one has misbehaved while landing on the cracks. GT need to break this partnership to bring some balance to the game. Rashid Khan's introduction isn't that far, one assumes. But for now, Jason Holder to continue after the break. 1-0-12-0 so far.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, On a length and on off, Virat Kohli takes a couple of steps out and knocks it to the left of the bowler. 14 runs off the over, and RCB are 76/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, SIX! Goes all the way! A well-directed bumper from Rabada, on middle, takes off a bit. Virat Kohli tries to heave it across the line, but the ball gets big on him. It takes the top edge and flies over the keeper's head for a biggie. It has either been a boundary or a dot in this over. The brings up the 50-run partnership in super-quick time between this pair.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Excellent response! Back of a length and on middle, jags back in a long way, Virat Kohli looks to play at it from the crease, but gets cut in half as the ball zips past the inside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Cracking shot! Short of a length and around off, not short enough to trouble someone like Virat. He gets on top of the bounce, rolls his wrists and pulls it away to the deep mid-wicket fence for another boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Good length and on middle, nips back in sharply, Virat Kohli gets rushed and tucks it to the leg side. He sets off for the run but is sent back just in time.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! The runs just keep flowing! Fuller delivery, on middle, angling in a bit. Virat Kohli uses his wrists to slog it across the line. Not from the middle of the bat, but he gets enough to clear mid-wicket for a boundary.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, Overthrows! Good length, angling in from off. Kohli plays it under his eyes and knocks it in front of the cover fielder and calls Padikkal through for a single. Washington Sundar attacks the ball, picks it up and throws in a motion but misses his shy at the bowling end, and with no proper backup on the leg side, the ball races away to the fence. A chance of run out, missed by Sundar as well. This will only add to GT's frustrations. But had the throw hit, Kohli would have been in genuine trouble. Oh my days, the replay shows that Kohli was out by a country mile.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, The length is pulled back by a yard or so from Holder, and this lands on the crack and cuts into the batter. Devdutt Padikkal positions himself for a square cut, but ends up chopping it in front of short third for a single.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Length ball, around off, Padikkal dabs it behind to short third.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! That's literally slapped away! Short by Holder, slanting across the batter. Padikkal backs away, gives himself some room and pulls it between mid on and mid-wicket for a cracking boundary. Padikkal has accessed all the parts of the ground in his brief 9-ball stay. He moves to 22.

Jason Holder to Virat Kohli, Angles the ball into the batter, touch full, Virat wrists it to the right of mid-wicket for a single.

Jason Holder to Devdutt Padikkal, Oh, cuts in from a good length, on top of middle. Devdutt Padikkal is rushed on the back foot. Hops a bit and manages to chop it away to backward point for a quick single. On target from Holder.

Change? Yes, Jason Holder replaces Mohammed Siraj.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, On a back of a length, on leg, Padikkal stays in the crease and tucks it to deep backward square leg for a single. 50 UP FOR RCB! In just 4 overs. They are throttling nicely here.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Geez, that's surreal! Hits the length hard, outside off. Devdutt Padikkal weighs on the back foot and nails the square cut through backward point and the ball travels to the ropes in a flash.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR MORE! Top shot! Not a bad ball at all from Rabada. Smidge full and nipping away from the left-hander. Devdutt Padikkal meets the ball right under his eyes, opens the bat face and runs it through short third for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! He has timed that so, so well! Short of a length, on the leg stump. Devdutt Padikkal hops on the toes and just glances it to the right of deep backward square leg for a boundary.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Nips in from middle and skids through the deck. Virat Kohli pushes at the delivery and gets a thick inside edge. The ball rolls through square leg for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Helped away! Easy pickings for Kohli as he just flicks this full ball angling into him. Uses his wrists to angle it behind square on the leg side for a four at deep fine leg. Played more off the inside edge though.

Mohammed Siraj to Devdutt Padikkal, FOUR! Handsomely played! Pitched up slightly, just outside off. Devdutt Padikkal presses ahead and lofts it over mid off to pick up his first runs and boundary.

Mohammed Siraj to Devdutt Padikkal, Another appeal for LBW, and again the finger stays down. The length is pulled back just slightly by Siraj, on the leg stump and it skids through the deck as well. This hurries Padikkal on the back foot as he attempts to play across the line. Ends up playing all over it and is hit on the pads.

Mohammed Siraj to Devdutt Padikkal, A big appeal for LBW, but not given. Shubman Gill has a chat with the keeper and the bowler but eventually decides not to go upstairs. Swings back in from the leg stump line, on a fuller length. Devdutt Padikkal tiptoes forward, trying to negate the swing and looks to whip it off the pads, but plays all over and is beaten on the inside edge, getting struck on the front pad. Probably the ball is pitching outside leg by the looks of it.

Mohammed Siraj to Virat Kohli, Attacks the pads, on a fuller length. Virat Kohli goes for the flick shot, but gets a bit of an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls behind square on the leg side and they cross over.

Mohammed Siraj to Virat Kohli, Hard length, outside off. Kohli opens the bat face and steers it to deep backward point for a couple of runs.

Mohammed Siraj to Virat Kohli, FOUR! Kohli special! Touch fuller, just around off, Virat Kohli springs out of his crease, gets under the ball and pumps it over the mid off fielder for a classy boundary.

Early blow for RCB. Devdutt Padikkal walks out to bat at number 3.

Kagiso Rabada to Venkatesh Iyer, OUT! TAKEN! Rabada responds strongly and this is his 18th Powerplay wicket this season, according to Ian Bishop on air. Rabada keeps bashing the hard length, and keeps the line of attack on the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer tries to play the pull shot, but loses his shape a bit and the extra bounce means that the ball gets sliced over mid off. Shubman Gill turns around to his left, backtracks some yards and takes a fine catch while running. Rabada ends Venkatesh Iyer's fun and RCB are 21/1 after 2 overs.

Kagiso Rabada to Venkatesh Iyer, SIX! That's some improvisation from Venkatesh! Fuller than a length, on the middle and leg stump line. Venkatesh Iyer uses the pace of the ball, shuffles across and scoops it over deep fine leg for the first six of the game.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, In-between length, around off. Virat attempts to dab it away, but chops it off the inside edge to the slip cordon for a single.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Jaffa from Rabada! Good-length delivery and this one cuts in sharply from outside off. Virat Kohli looks to knock it away, but is cut in half and the ball beats the inside edge.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Beaten again! Back of a length with some extra bounce, on off. Kohli tries to pull off the back foot, but is hurried and is beaten.

Kagiso Rabada to Virat Kohli, Swing and a miss! Good pace and carry for Rabada first up. Hits the deck hard, and generates a good bit of lift, outside off. Virat Kohli tries to play the back foot punch through the off side, but the ball bounces over his angled bat.

A productive start for RCB. Kagiso Rabada will share the new ball. According to Ian Bishop on air, he is the leading wicket-taker in the Powerplay this season, with 17 wickets.

Mohammed Siraj to Virat Kohli, Tap and run! Straightens off the pitch, on a good length, in the channel of off. Virat Kohli plays from the crease, close to his body and dabs it between cover and point for a quick run. 14 runs off the first over.

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, Quick run! Hard length, on top of off. Venkatesh Iyer hangs back and taps it to the point region and pinches in a single.

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, FOUR! Goodness me, that's so well struck! Not a half volley by any stretch of imagination, just a couple of yards behind the fuller length, around off. Venkatesh Iyer plays it on the rise and cracks the drive to the right of mid off for a boundary. Three wonderful strokes from Venkatesh already to get RCB going.

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, Back of a length, on off, Iyer stands tall and knocks it to cover-point.

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, FOUR MORE! This time, with a lot more intent from Iyer! The length is pushed further up, full and shaping in from middle. Venkatesh Iyer detects the length and advances down the track. Heaves it off the inner half of the bat, but puts it between the mid-wicket and mid on gap for a boundary. The outfield is blazing quick and it races to the fence within a blink.

Mohammed Siraj to Venkatesh Iyer, FOUR! High quality shot to get off the mark! Siraj bowls it on a length, around the off pole. Venkatesh Iyer lets the ball arrive, presses on the back foot and punches it solidly between cover and point for a boundary to get RCB underway right away.

All in readiness for Qualifier 1! The stage is set beautifully with the majestic Himalayas standing tall in the backdrop, adding even more grandeur to this massive occasion. Former India cricketer and current BCCI President, Mithun Manhas has the honour of ringing the bell to signal the arrival of the players. The two umpires now make their way out to the middle, followed by an upbeat Gujarat Titans outfit led by Shubman Gill, spreading out swiftly to take their positions in the field. Out walk the two Royal Challengers Bengaluru openers, Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli, to a thunderous roar from the crowd. It will be Mohammed Siraj, fired up against his former side, with the new ball in hand. A bit of a delay due to an issue with the sightscreen. It has finally been resolved. Let's play...

Let's unpack the toss - Strange bit of selection from both camps. Kulwant Khejroliya, the 34-year-old seamer from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, who hasn't played a single game this season, has been swapped in by GT. That's a straight replacement for Arshad Khan, though. A left-arm pacer replaces the fellow left-arm pacer. Whereas there's no Phil Salt yet for RCB, and they are going with only 3 overseas players. With Shepherd and Suyash in the impact list, it is probably the latter who will be preferred over the former when they come to bowl, we assume.

Impact Sub options for GT - Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra and Sai Kishore.

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI) - Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Nishant Sindhu, Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya (In for Arshad Khan), Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

Impact Sub options for RCB - Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh and Jordan Cox.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy (In place of Romario Shepherd) and Rasikh Salam.

The captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar says he would have bowled first, too. Details that it is hard and dry underneath and expect the ball to come nicely on the bat. He reckons that the pitch won't change much throughout the match. On the prospect of going straight to the final by winning the Qualifier, Patidar says it would be a great outcome, but the focus stays on one game at a time. The priority, he stresses, is about giving their best in this fixture. On the journey so far, he says RCB have played good cricket and are leaning into their strengths. When asked about the pitch, Patidar notes there is no grass cover, making it a surface that should be a pleasant one to bat on.

The captain of the Gujarat Titans - Shubhman Gill says that it looks like a good wicket. Adds that they have seen on this ground, there is a bit of dew in the second innings, so it's better to have a total on the board and chase it down later on. Gill mentions that this game is all about taking out the equation. Says they have played some really good cricket so far and hopefully continue to do so. Gill shares that he has played a lot of junior level cricket at this venue and calls it one of the most prettiest grounds in world cricket. Informs that they have made one change with Kulwant Khejroliya replacing Arshad Khan.

TOSS - Time for the coin to go up in Dharamshala. Both captains - Rajat Patidar and Shubman Gill - have made their way out and share the pleasantries. Ravi Shastri is set to lead the proceedings with the glittering IPL trophy beside him, and the fantastic snowcapped hills in the backdrop just make it look extremely pretty. Tails is the call from Gill, and he calls it right. Gujarat Titans have elected to BOWL first.

Time to listen to RCB's star seamer - Josh Hazlewood, on being asked whether it feels different coming into the playoffs this year, says the status of being defending champions is something that comes up regularly in conversations, with the hunters vs the hunted narrative a constant presence. Adds that the mood within the camp is measured rather than burdened. It's been business as usual, he says. On the question of whether it is training or messaging that has shifted, Hazlewood reckons it is probably a bit of both. He points out the difficulty of working on skills during a tournament where games come thick and fast, and recovery takes precedence. Stresses that, as a fast bowler, finding time on the training paddock to genuinely work on things is a challenge. So he says that the bigger adjustment has been in how the group communicates, with regular check-ins to keep everyone on the same page. On his partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hazlewood says the combination is a handy one. Details that while coming in to bowl the second over, he often finds himself facing number three and four batters, which means the homework on openers can sometimes wait. He is full of praise for Bhuvi, noting that he is still leading the wicket takers' charts and that his economy has been exceptional too. About dismantling GT's top order, Hazlewood underlines that they have done the bulk of their scoring through their top three all tournament, and those are class players. The plan, he says, is straightforward to string dots together, build pressure, and take early wickets.

GT's premier pacer - Kagiso Rabada says that the ball is coming out really well, and it is pretty evident. Adds that he is happy with how things are going thus far, but now it is time for the final push, and he hopes it keeps happening his way. Mentions that he decides on the variations in the moment and lets his instincts take over. Some planning is obviously done, but it is about reacting and adapting to what's happening in that situation. Rabada shares that both attacks are good, the opening combination of both teams has done well, and calls it a fire vs fire battle. Says that you just have to perform to your best strengths and ability, and hopefully end up on the right side of the result. Ends by saying that his parents came over last night to celebrate his birthday and saw how beautiful Dharamshala is as a place to play cricket.

PITCH REPORT - Graeme Swann is pitchside. He calls this one of the most beautiful grounds in world cricket.  Says that the square boundaries are 63 meters each and the straight hit is 73 meters. Adds that this has a lot of small pockets with the slog corner being 58 meters. Mentions that he has observed a few cracks on the surface but it is rock hard and he thinks it will be good for the batters. AB de Villiers joins him and says that those cracks mean nothing and calls it a road. Shares that except for one score of 199, all others have been in excess of 200 but feels the batters even slipped and could have scored more in some of those. He reckons it will be a high-scoring game with 220 being par. Adds that there will be some nerves but teams have that extra incentive of getting another chance. Ends by saying that with how modern cricket is being played, long batting lineups and Impact Player in the mix, he would definitely chase here.

What do the records say? In IPL's history, the teams finishing on top have gone on to win the title just six times, while teams finishing in second spot have done so on nine occasions. For RCB, this is their 11th playoff appearance, joint-second alongside MI and only behind CSK in that particular hall of consistency. The Royal Challengers have gone the distance to the final four times out of those, and last season, they finally made that final count. As for the Gujarat Titans, in their brief but breathless IPL existence, this is their fourth playoff qualification in five seasons. Two of those times, they made it all the way to the final. This will be their first-ever game in Dharamshala, while RCB have won two out of three here overall. And with an IPL head-to-head record locked at 4-4, there could not be more parity between these two sides. With all said, stay tuned for the all-important toss and team updates.

The King vs The Prince - One has already written the book. The other is halfway through his own chapter. It is always a massive talking point when two different generations of batting mastery share the same stage. On one side stands Virat Kohli, the undisputed king of this tournament, the leading run-scorer in IPL history and the heartbeat of RCB with over 9200 runs to his name. On the other hand, Shubman Gill has been convincingly building his own empire, being the highest run-getter in GT's history and second only to his own teammate Sai Sudharsan in the runs chart this season.

The attack is locked and loaded - While batting is largely the centre of the highlight and success for most teams this year, some of the finest bowlers in the league share this stage tonight. Where Siraj and Rabada have been ruling the Powerplay with relentless accuracy and that trademark aggression, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood bring their own ruthless brand of craft at the other end. These four blokes alone share 560 IPL wickets among them, and when that kind of experience walks onto a Dharamshala surface, the batting side had better have answers ready. But the second line of attack is no slouch either. Rashid Khan, the sixth-highest wicket-taker among spinners in IPL and GT's all-time leading man with the ball in terms of wickets, will be weaving his web on one side. On the other hand, Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya bring the kind of unpredictability that keeps batters guessing all the time. And the tone gets set early. GT have been the most potent Powerplay bowling unit this season with 30 wickets in that phase, while RCB sit just a breath behind with 28.

Identical records, contrasting philosophies - Look at the points table and their journeys, and the parallels are almost eerie. Both ended their league stage with 18 points, the same number of wins and defeats. Both have ridden almost identical waves of form through the season. Both have fallen in love with chasing. Where RCB have won six of their nine games doing so, GT have won five of theirs in that regard. It is only the net run rate that serves as the currency of difference between these two giants, with the defending champions edging it by the slimmest of margins. But peel the layers back, and these two could not be more different breeds. RCB are the ones who show up to a knife fight with a flamethrower. Loud, explosive, and built to make your jaw drop. GT are the ones who show up having already studied the knife. Calm, composed, and built to make you regret underestimating them. One plays cricket that belongs on a poster. The other plays cricket that belongs in a textbook. And somehow, both have been equally devastating for anyone who stood in their way.

Only the bold reach Valhalla - ‘Don't waste your time looking back. You are not going that way.’ Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warlord, once gave this iconic grounding mantra. Tonight, there is no looking back for either side. The road to the Grand Finale passes through the snowcapped Dhauladhar ranges this time. But as scenic as those peaks look and as beautifully as those mountains cradle the HPCA Stadium, the challenge to conquer this fort is far from easy. Hello, and a warm welcome to our coverage of the Qualifier 1 fixture of the IPL 2026 season. It's a gigantic clash in the making as the table toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the second-seated Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala.

... MATCH DAY ...

Bring on the Playoffs - The road to the final narrows sharply as top-of-the-table Royal Challengers Bengaluru lock horns with second-placed Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the 2026 Indian Premier League in Dharamsala. With a direct berth in the final on the line and the safety net of a second chance for the loser, this contest is less about desperation and more about execution under pressure. RCB arrive as league leaders after a season of sustained consistency, while GT enter the playoffs carrying the aura of a side built for high-pressure cricket. The importance of Qualifier 1 - Finishing in the top two gives both teams a massive tactical advantage, and even defeat here does not end the campaign. But momentum and psychology matter. The winner gets valuable recovery time ahead of the final, while the loser must survive another knockout clash in Qualifier 2. Historically, teams winning Qualifier 1 have enjoyed a significantly higher conversion rate into titles (12 wins in 15 seasons featuring the Qualifier format so far), making this arguably the most important non-final match of the season. RCB gunning for back-to-back titles - RCB’s 2026 campaign has been defined by control rather than chaos. Under captaincy from Rajat Patidar, they have evolved into a side that no longer depends solely on superstar batting. Their bowling attack has often set the tone, while the batting lineup has shown adaptability across conditions. RCB also finished the league stage at the summit despite a heavy final-day defeat, highlighting the consistency they maintained across the season. The batting core still revolves around Virat Kohli and explosive starts from Phil Salt or, more recently, Venkatesh Iyer, but what has strengthened RCB is middle-order depth. Players like Tim David and Rajat Patidar have often transformed solid positions into dominant totals, with Devdutt Padikkal acting as a crucial cog between the openers and the middle order batting at number 3. If RCB get through the Powerplay without damage, they become extremely difficult to contain in the second half of an innings. Bowling has arguably been RCB’s biggest gain this season. The combination of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasikh Salam gives them new-ball control and death-over experience, while spin options provide flexibility in the middle overs. Their ability to break partnerships rather than simply contain scoring has made them one of the tournament’s most complete sides. However, Hazlewood has looked a bit undercooked in the last few games, and RCB will hope that he steps up in the big games. GT's terrifying consistency - GT, however, feel tailor-made for knockout cricket. Led by Shubman Gill, they have built their campaign on efficiency, rarely flashy but relentlessly effective. They may not have always dominated opponents, yet they have consistently found ways to win key moments. In just their 5th season in the IPL, they have made it to the playoffs for a fourth time, reaching two finals and winning the title in their debut season as well. At the top, Gill’s ability to pace innings will be crucial against RCB’s disciplined seam attack. If Gujarat get a fluent start, their middle order can attack freely rather than rebuild. GT’s batting has often been strongest when they avoid early collapses and allow their finishers to target specific matchups late in the innings. Both of their openers - Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan - have each scored in excess of 600 runs this season, and even Jos Buttler seems to be peaking at the right time, making GT's top three arguably the most prolific this season. Their bowling remains the side’s greatest playoff weapon. The Titans traditionally thrive because of their ability to squeeze games tactically, using pace variations, middle-over control, and defensive fields intelligently. If they can force RCB into risk-taking after the Powerplay, they could expose a middle order that has occasionally looked vulnerable against sustained pressure, allowing the likes of Rashid Khan and Jason Holder to come into the mix. With the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj in prime form, the first 6 overs will dictate GT's performance with the ball. Challenges for both sides - For RCB, the biggest question is whether they return to their aggressive identity after ending the league stage with a disappointing loss. Their best cricket this season has come when they dictate tempo rather than react. For Gujarat, the challenge is different - can they prevent RCB’s batting from controlling the middle overs? GT excel when matches remain within reach, entering the death phase. Venue and historical context - The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala has seen three league matches played this season, all of which were high-scoring, and the average first innings score this season has been around 210. Teams batting second generally have the better chance of winning, but RCB are the only team that have defended a total successfully here in 2026. However, that was a day game, in which the dew didn't play a role, and RCB even managed to score in excess of 220 runs. The general consensus will be to win the toss and chase, even though runs on the board in a knockout game could be invaluable at times. Moving on to the head-to-head record between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans, it currently stands at 4 wins apiece in the 8 encounters so far, and even the record for this season is 1-1 as both teams managed to win at home against the other. The Dharamsala track will suit both bowling sides, probably GT a bit more. Form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - RCB - LWWWL | GT - WLWWW. Predictions? On form across the league stage, RCB deserve marginal favouritism after finishing top and showing greater squad balance, especially having a much more prolific middle order. But the Gujarat Titans are one of those teams that tend to grow stronger as the stakes rise, and if their top 3 fire, they won't even need much contribution from that shaky middle order. This has all the ingredients of an exciting and tense playoff clash rather than a one-sided shootout. Who do you think will be the first finalist of IPL 2026?