Royal Challengers Bengaluru displayed a stellar all-round performance, defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to secure a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final. This victory marks the defending champions’ second consecutive appearance in the final.
Gujarat Titans faced a daunting target of 255 runs but struggled to recover after losing wickets at regular intervals. Pacer Jacob Duffy shone with three crucial wickets, supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya, who each claimed two wickets.
Sai Sudharsan’s aggressive start for Gujarat was short-lived as he lost his bat while playing a shot, which rebounded onto the stumps, ending his innings at 14 runs off nine balls. Bhuvneshwar Kumar further dented Gujarat’s hopes by dismissing captain Shubman Gill for just two runs.
Despite Jos Buttler’s brief counterattack, including a quick 29 off 11 balls, Josh Hazlewood’s bowling prowess swiftly removed him from the crease.
RCB tightened their grip during the Power-play, with Rasikh Salam Dar accounting for Nishant Sandhu and Jason Holder in quick succession. Gujarat struggled at 51/5 by the end of the Power-play, chasing the formidable target.
Although Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia attempted a recovery, Duffy’s dismissal of Sundar and Rashid Khan, along with Krunal Pandya’s removal of Kagiso Rabada, left Gujarat reeling at 87/7.
Rahul Tewatia fought a lone battle for Gujarat Titans, scoring a brisk half-century off 33 balls. His entertaining knock of 68 runs off 43 deliveries, comprising eight fours and four sixes, ended when Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed him with a well-executed slower ball.
Krunal Pandya wrapped up Gujarat’s innings, ensuring they were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
In their innings, RCB posted a record-breaking 254/5, propelled by captain Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93. Jacob Duffy starred with the ball, claiming figures of 3/39.
Despite a strong start by Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 19 off seven balls, RCB lost him early to Kagiso Rabada.
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal maintained an aggressive approach, guiding RCB to 76/1 in the powerplay, their best this season.
Jason Holder’s quick strikes, dismissing Kohli for 43 off 25 balls and Padikkal for 30 off 19 deliveries, brought Gujarat back into contention.
Patidar and Krunal Pandya steadied the innings before launching a fierce counterattack in the middle overs. Krunal’s brisk 43 off 28 balls, including five fours and two sixes, complemented Patidar’s aggressive hitting.
Patidar’s unbeaten 93 off 39 balls, embellished with five fours and nine sixes, propelled RCB to a historic total of 254/5, the highest in IPL playoff history.
