Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a complete all-round performance to crush Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala and book their place in the final. The defending champions dominated both with the bat and ball, continuing their impressive title defence in emphatic fashion.
Following the massive victory, RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik took to Instagram to praise Krunal Pandya for his impactful contribution in yet another high-pressure game. “Clutch with the bat, ball and everywhere – Our very own Clutch Pandya,” Dinesh Karthik wrote on social media.
RCB’s commanding win was built around a sensational innings from captain Rajat Patidar, who led from the front with a brilliant 93. The defending champions posted a massive total of 254, putting Gujarat Titans under immediate scoreboard pressure in the knockout clash.
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The innings started aggressively with Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer adding quick runs in the Powerplay before Kagiso Rabada dismissed Iyer for 19. Kohli then stitched together an important partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, who made 30, to stabilise the innings.
Although Jason Holder briefly pulled Gujarat Titans back into the game with the wickets of Kohli and Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya completely shifted the momentum again with a crucial 95-run stand. Krunal played a valuable knock of 43 off 28 balls before Rabada finally broke the partnership.
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Patidar, however, continued his assault and remained unbeaten, while Jitesh Sharma’s quick cameo at the death helped RCB cross the 250-run mark.
RCB’s bowlers then backed up the batting effort with an equally clinical display. Jacob Duffy starred with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and Rashik Salam chipped in with two wickets each.
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Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler all failed to make major contributions, leaving Gujarat Titans struggling early in the chase. Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a counter-attacking 68, but lacked support from the other end.
Krunal Pandya eventually wrapped up the innings by dismissing Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj as Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, sending RCB into yet another IPL final in dominant style.
