The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) prepare to battle for the title at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the venue is renowned for its massive capacity and electric atmosphere, its pitch conditions could play an equally decisive role in determining the champions. The final will be played on the mixed-soil Pitch No. 6, a surface known for producing high-scoring encounters.

Earlier this year, the same pitch witnessed a run-fest during the T20 World Cup final, and another batting-friendly contest is expected. Interestingly, GT defeated RCB on this very surface earlier in the season, although Bengaluru also carry fond memories of the venue after securing their maiden IPL title here in 2025. Gujarat Titans have taken a slightly unconventional route to the final.

After a mixed start to their campaign, they found momentum during the second half of the league stage, winning seven of their next ten matches to secure a top-two finish. A key factor behind their resurgence has been the arrival of Jason Holder. Replacing Glenn Phillips in the XI, Holder has added balance with both bat and ball, claiming 17 wickets in just 10 matches while consistently hitting hard lengths that have troubled opposition batters.

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For GT, the biggest challenge will be overcoming RCB’s experienced new-ball attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have been exceptional throughout the season, and their battle against Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan could define the contest. Gujarat’s top order has carried much of the scoring burden this season, making early wickets crucial for Bengaluru.

RCB, meanwhile, enter the final as one of the most complete batting units in the tournament. Unlike many teams that rely heavily on a few star performers, Bengaluru have received contributions throughout the lineup. While Virat Kohli has led from the front, players such as Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, and Venkatesh Iyer have all delivered match-winning performances at different stages of the campaign.

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The defending champions have crossed the 200-run mark nine times this season and successfully chased down 200-plus totals on multiple occasions, highlighting their batting depth and flexibility.

History also adds intrigue to the final. RCB hold a narrow 5-4 advantage in the overall head-to-head record, while the teams are evenly matched in Ahmedabad. Interestingly, eight of their nine IPL meetings have been won by the chasing side. With two title-winning franchises chasing a second crown, a batting-friendly pitch, and plenty of star power on display, IPL 2026 is perfectly poised for a memorable finish under the lights in Ahmedabad.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

RCB, meanwhile, are expected to field their strongest XI despite Phil Salt looking doubtful. Captain Rajat Patidar has indicated that the squad is otherwise fit and ready for the final. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be a key figure with the new ball, having dismissed Gill five times and Jos Buttler nine times in T20 cricket. His first four overs could shape RCB’s chances of defending their crown.

Probable XII: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Jacob Duffy, Romario Shepherd

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans head into the IPL 2026 final without any major injury worries. Skipper Shubman Gill and pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj both required treatment for neck and shoulder discomfort during Qualifier 2, but neither issue is considered serious enough to rule them out of the title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

GT’s bowling plans will again revolve around Jason Holder, Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan. Rabada and Holder have each dismissed Virat Kohli several times in the IPL, while Rashid has also troubled Devdutt Padikkal on multiple occasions. Those match-ups could prove decisive if GT are to slow down RCB’s deep batting line-up.

Probable XII: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshad Khan/R Sai Kishore