Check RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final preview, teams battle for a second IPL title. Know playing XIs, head-to-head stats, weather and prediction
Ahmedabad: IPL 2026 Final will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad in what promises to be an exciting battle for the trophy.
The match is important because both teams have won the IPL trophy only one time. RCB lifted their maiden IPL title in 2025, while Gujarat Titans won the championship in their debut season in 2022. This means whichever team wins on Sunday will become a two-time IPL champion, adding another chapter to its success story.
RCB reached the final directly after finishing at the top of the points table and winning Qualifier 1. GT bounced back after a defeat in Qualifier 1 and secured their place in the final by winning Qualifier 2.
Both teams have performed consistently throughout the season and will now compete for the IPL 2026 title.
How RCB and GT Reached the Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the final with a huge 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. RCB captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a stunning 93 runs off just 33 balls. Bengaluru posted a massive total of 254 runs and then bowled out Gujarat’s hopes by restricting them to 162.
After that defeat, Gujarat Titans made a strong comeback. In Qualifier 2, captain Shubman Gill played a brilliant century and guided his team to a seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals while chasing 215 runs. The win helped GT reach their third IPL final in five seasons.
Also Read: Gujarat Titans Reach IPL 2026 Final With Dominant Chase of 215 Against RR
Predicted Playing XI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Jitesh Sharma (Wicketkeeper)
- Tim David
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Rasikh Salam Dar
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Gujarat Titans
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (C)
- Jos Buttler (WK)
- Washington Sundar
- Jason Holder
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Arshad Khan
Impact Player: Nishant Sindhu
Head-to-Head Record
RCB and Gujarat Titans have faced each other eight times in IPL history.
Both teams have won four matches each, making the rivalry evenly balanced.
However, RCB have enjoyed more success against GT this season. Bengaluru have won two of the three matches played between the sides, including the dominant win in Qualifier 1. Gujarat’s only victory over RCB this season came at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where the final will also be played.
Pitch Report
The IPL 2026 Final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, which is the largest cricket stadium in the world.
The pitch usually helps batters and produces high-scoring matches. The average first-innings score at the venue is around 190 to 195 runs.
At the same time, bowlers can also make an impact, especially spinners and pacers who use slower balls and variations during the middle overs.
One important factor is the stadium’s large boundaries. The straight boundary measures around 76 metres, which could make hitting sixes more difficult. This may benefit Gujarat Titans, especially star spinner Rashid Khan.
Weather Forecast
The weather in Ahmedabad is expected to remain clear on match day.
According to the forecast:
- Temperature is likely to stay between 34°C and 40°C.
- There is almost no chance of rain.
- Humidity levels are expected to be between 25 and 35 percent.
- Clear skies are expected throughout the match.
- Dew is likely to play a role in the second innings.
Because of the expected dew, the toss could become important, with teams preferring to chase.
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB)
Virat Kohli has once again been one of RCB’s most reliable batters this season. His experience and ability to handle pressure make him a key player in the final.
Rajat Patidar (RCB)
RCB captain Rajat Patidar is in excellent form. His explosive 93-run knock in Qualifier 1 played a huge role in Bengaluru’s victory. He will be one of the biggest threats for Gujarat Titans.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been outstanding with the ball this season and is among the leading wicket-takers. His swing bowling with the new ball could trouble Gujarat’s top-order batters.
Shubman Gill (GT)
Shubman Gill comes into the final after scoring a match-winning century in Qualifier 2. He has an excellent record in Ahmedabad, where he has scored more than 800 IPL runs at an average of over 64.
Rashid Khan (GT)
Rashid Khan remains Gujarat Titans’ biggest match-winner with the ball. The large boundaries in Ahmedabad could make him even more effective during the final.
Jos Buttler (GT)
Jos Buttler has been an important player for Gujarat throughout the season. If he gets off to a quick start in the powerplay, he can put RCB under pressure immediately.
Match Prediction
RCB enter the final with plenty of confidence after their strong performances this season. They also have the advantage of extra rest because they qualified directly for the final after winning Qualifier 1.
Their convincing victory over Gujarat Titans earlier in the playoffs has also boosted their confidence.
However, Gujarat Titans will enjoy home conditions in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill has a fantastic record at the venue, and Rashid Khan could take advantage of the large boundaries.
GT have already shown their fighting spirit by recovering from a heavy defeat in Qualifier 1 and then beating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.
Even so, RCB appear to have a slight edge going into the final because of their current form, balanced squad and recent success against Gujarat.
Winning Chances
Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 55-60%
Gujarat Titans- 40-45%
Where to Watch
The IPL 2026 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will start at 7:30 PM IST on May 31.
Fans can watch the match live on JioStar network channels. Live streaming will also be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
With Virat Kohli looking to help RCB win another IPL title and Shubman Gill aiming to lead Gujarat Titans to glory at their home ground, cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest and a memorable finish to the IPL 2026 season.
