Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the IPL 2026 final with a dominant 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. Rajat Patidar led the charge with a stunning unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, guiding RCB to 254 for 5 — the highest total in an IPL playoff.
Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162, with Rahul Tewatia’s 68 offering some resistance in an otherwise one-sided contest.
RCB Set Record Total
Batting first, RCB made a fast start despite missing Phil Salt. Venkatesh Iyer struck 19 off seven balls, while Virat Kohli added 43 and Devdutt Padikkal contributed 30, helping the side reach 50 inside four overs.
Gujarat Titans briefly pulled things back through Jason Holder and Rashid Khan, who removed Kohli and Padikkal in a tight spell.
However, Patidar turned the game decisively. After a cautious phase, he accelerated rapidly, finishing with 93 not out from 33 deliveries. Krunal Pandya supported him with 43 off 28 as RCB added 114 runs in the final six overs to post 254 for 5.
More Read
GT Collapse Under Pressure
Chasing a record target, Gujarat Titans needed a strong start but failed to gain momentum. B Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill could not capitalise early, and wickets began to fall quickly.
Jos Buttler showed intent with 29 off 11 balls, but his dismissal further dented the chase. The RCB bowlers dominated, reducing GT to five wickets down within the powerplay.
Rahul Tewatia’s 68 helped avoid a heavier defeat, but Gujarat Titans were eventually dismissed for 162.
More Read
RCB March Into Final
The victory ensured RCB progressed directly to the final, marking their fifth appearance in an IPL title clash. Gujarat Titans, having finished in the top two, will get another chance in Qualifier 2.
With a record-breaking total and a commanding bowling display, RCB delivered one of the most dominant performances in IPL playoff history to secure their spot in the 2026 final.
