Royal Challengers Bengaluru tightened their grip on IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 after Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill early during the massive 256-run chase at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. Chasing the highest total ever posted in IPL playoff history, the Gujarat Titans needed a strong start from their star opening pair of Gill and Sai Sudharsan, but RCB’s experienced pace attack quickly turned the pressure back on the opposition.
After Sai Sudharsan suffered a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal earlier in the innings, Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered another crucial breakthrough by removing Gill for just two runs off seven deliveries. The dismissal came on the very first ball of the third over and immediately put Gujarat Titans on the back foot in the high-pressure knockout clash.
WATCH – Sai Sudharsan Suffers Unlucky Hit-Wicket Dismissal In IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
Bhuvneshwar once again showcased why he remains one of the most dangerous Powerplay bowlers in T20 cricket. Bowling with excellent control and movement, the veteran India pacer kept Gill quiet from the outset before producing a delivery that completely outfoxed the GT skipper.
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The ball was pitched up and jagged back sharply into Gill. Attempting to play across the line under scoreboard pressure, the Gujarat Titans captain missed the ball entirely as it crashed into middle stump. Gill looked visibly disappointed while walking back, especially on a batting-friendly Dharamsala surface where RCB had earlier dominated with the bat.
The wicket further highlighted Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s outstanding record against Gill in T20 cricket. Across 15 innings, the RCB pacer has now dismissed the Gujarat Titans captain seven times. Gill has managed only 80 runs from 79 balls against Bhuvneshwar at an average of just 13.33.
WATCH – Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya Punish Kulwant Khejroliya in Brutal 28-Run Over
Earlier in the evening, Rajat Patidar’s explosive unbeaten 93 off 33 balls powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record-breaking 254 for five. Supported by strong contributions from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and Krunal Pandya, RCB produced the highest total ever recorded in IPL playoff history and carried that momentum straight into their bowling performance.
