The IPL 2026 final delivered an intense battle as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Rajat Patidar, took on Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With both teams chasing their second IPL title, the high-stakes clash got off to a dramatic start thanks to RCB’s disciplined bowling attack.
After winning the toss, RCB opted to field first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Gujarat Titans’ star opening pair, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, struggled to settle against the new ball as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood produced a clinical opening spell.
Hazlewood struck first by dismissing Gill for 10 off just eight deliveries. The GT captain managed two boundaries but failed to convert his start into a substantial innings. Soon after, Bhuvneshwar removed the dangerous Sai Sudharsan for 12 from 12 balls, leaving Gujarat Titans under early pressure in the biggest match of the season.
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With the top order back in the pavilion, Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu attempted to rebuild the innings. However, RCB maintained control through tight lines and disciplined fielding. Buttler, who endured an inconsistent IPL 2026 campaign, found it difficult to break free and never looked fully comfortable at the crease.
The Man of Finals doing what he does best! 🫡
Krunal Pandya outsmarts Jos Buttler and #RCB are roaring 🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X#TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/L3UkTRyhBg
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026
The England star eventually fell for 19 off 23 balls after being dismissed by Krunal Pandya. His slow-paced innings added further pressure on the Gujarat Titans, who were searching for momentum after losing early wickets.
RCB’s bowlers were the standout performers during the first half of the final. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood once again showcased why they have been among the most effective pace combinations in IPL 2026. Their ability to strike early and restrict scoring opportunities put Gujarat Titans on the back foot and handed Bengaluru a significant advantage in the title clash. With the pressure mounting on GT, RCB’s impressive bowling display set the tone for a gripping IPL 2026 final.
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Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar
