RCB Storm Into IPL 2026 Final with 92-Run Win Over Gujarat Titans

Score: RCB 254/5 (20 overs) beat GT 162 all out (19.3 overs) by 92 runs

Dharamshala, May 2026 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Tuesday, securing a direct berth in the final.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar emerged as the undisputed star of the night with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, powering his side to one of the highest totals in IPL playoff history and guiding the franchise into its first IPL final in several years.

After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, RCB made full use of the batting-friendly surface. Virat Kohli provided early momentum with a fluent 43, while Devdutt Padikkal chipped in with a brisk 30 to lay a strong foundation.

However, it was Patidar’s explosive innings that completely shifted the game in RCB’s favour. The captain unleashed a brutal assault on the Gujarat bowling attack, smashing 5 fours and 9 towering sixes in a breathtaking display of clean hitting. Krunal Pandya also played an important cameo, scoring a quick 43 to help RCB finish at a mammoth 254 for 5 in 20 overs.

Gujarat Titans’ bowlers struggled throughout the innings and failed to contain the scoring in the death overs as RCB piled up runs at an extraordinary pace.

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Gujarat Titans never recovered after a disastrous start. Sai Sudharsan departed for 14, captain Shubman Gill managed just 2, while Jos Buttler’s 29 was unable to steady the innings as GT slumped to 51 for 5 early in the chase.

Rahul Tewatia attempted a fightback with a spirited 68 off 43 deliveries, including 8 fours and 4 sixes, but the lack of support from the rest of the batting order proved costly. Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

RCB’s bowling unit complemented the batting effort brilliantly. Jacob Duffy led the attack with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Salam Dar claimed two wickets each to dismantle the Gujarat batting lineup.

With this emphatic victory, RCB have booked their place directly in the IPL 2026 final and will now await the winner of Qualifier 2.

Despite the defeat, Gujarat Titans remain alive in the tournament and will get another opportunity to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals on May 29.

The winner of that clash will meet RCB in the grand finale as Bengaluru move one step closer to lifting another IPL title.

Team Maverick