After outplaying Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in the Qualifier 1 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Tuesday at HPCA Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in the final of the tournament. The match was largely one-sided, with RCB putting up a magnificent total of 254/5 in 20 overs. Captain Rajat Patidar served as the run machine for the RCB, clouting a scorching 93 off 33. 

The useful contributions from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya – both slamming 43 each – further bolstered the team's total and aided the side in dominating the powerplay.

It marked RCB's second consecutive final appearance after they clinched their maiden IPL title last year following a 17-year drought. Speaking on his team's performance, Patidar highlighted the aggressive mindset of the players that they go out with and try to build dominance on the opposition. 

"It was a super game for us, and the way, especially the batsmen, have dominated in this game, the way everyone was striking with intent – I think that was good for us. It is not a clear plan, but I think we are ready for it because you have to show some body language that we are coming for you. So I think that was there in every batsman. So we had a chat in the meeting. We have to give a good body language and the attacking mindset. It was a big stage, qualifier 1, and the way we played, the way we dominated in this game, I think that was superb," Patidar said at the post-match presentation.

Reflecting on his performance, Patidar noted that he goes out with a clear mind, looking to put the bowler under pressure. 

"I think the way of my batting is similar. I think starting, I take a few balls, 8-10 balls, to see how the wicket is behaving and what the ball is doing. And after that, I think I have a clear mind about how I have to go about it, and I am not worried about my wicket. I always like to put the bowler under pressure," he said.

As for GT, they had lost the match inside the powerplay only after Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill departed early for 14 and 2, respectively. Rahul Tewatia provided a brief spark with a fiery 68 to take GT to 162 before being bowled out in 19.3 overs. Despite the loss, GT will have another shot at the final in Friday's Qualifier 2.