The 2026 Indian Premier League reaches its conclusion on Sunday night when Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
RCB are chasing back-to-back IPL titles after lifting the trophy in 2025, while Gujarat are looking for their second championship after winning the competition in 2022. Both sides finished the league stage on 18 points, with RCB topping the table on net run rate.
The teams have already met three times this season. They split their two league-stage clashes before RCB produced a stunning 92-run victory over Gujarat in Qualifier 1 to book their place in the final. Gujarat responded impressively by bouncing back through Qualifier 2, defeating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB have looked one of the most complete sides in the tournament. Their batting unit has repeatedly produced big totals, while the bowling attack has found ways to take wickets both with the new ball and at the death.
The biggest name remains Virat Kohli, who continues to perform on the biggest occasions. Kohli arrives at the final after an outstanding season with a century and four 50’s.
However, RCB have been far more than a one-man show. Captain Rajat Patidar smashed an unbeaten 93 from just 33 balls in Qualifier 1, while Phil Salt, Tim David and Krunal Pandya have all played important roles throughout the campaign.
With the ball Bhuvneshwar Kumar heads into the final among the leading wicket-takers in the competition with 26.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat have built their season around an exceptional top order and enter the final with plenty of momentum after their Qualifier 2 victory.
Captain Shubman Gill was sensational against Rajasthan Royals, scoring 104 from 53 balls in a commanding run chase. He and Sai Sudharsan have formed arguably the most productive opening partnership in the tournament and will be central to Gujarat’s hopes once again.
The Titans also possess plenty of experience lower down the order, while Rashid Khan remains one of the most influential T20 bowlers in world cricket.
Their pace attack, features top wicket taker Kagiso Rabada (28) and Jason Holder, has delivered important performances throughout the playoffs.
Betting – Click here to bet
RCB 1.80
GT 2.00
Selections:
Gujarat Titans to win at 2.00
They bounced back brilliantly from their qualifier defeat to RCB and they have been my fancies to win this tournament for a couple of weeks now. As the betting suggests there is not much between them but I think GT are fractionally more the complete team.
Match Top Wicket Taker – Kagiso Rabada at 7.25
Rabada has been firing on all cylinders and the battle between him and the RCB openers will be special but I am backing Rabada to come out on top and wrap up the top wicket taker honours for the series.
RCB Top Batsman Rajat Patidar at 5.25
Patidar was excellent in the qualifier won by RCB and given I fancy Rabada to make early inroads it follows that my top bat pick for RCB will come in a bit down the order.
All prices correct at the time of writing but subject to change
