Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to lock horns with Gujarat Titans in a mouthwatering showdown in the IPL 2026 final, scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It is the face-off between contrasting styles and philosophies, with both teams looking to stamp their authority. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru go into the final as the team to beat. The reigning champions have played a fearless and aggressive brand of cricket throughout the season, cornering oppositions with their belligerent mindset. Their approach has occasionally exposed them to setbacks, but it has more often than not yielded spectacular results and taken them to the brink of back-to-back IPL titles. RCB's batting lineup has been a nightmare for opposition bowlers. The experienced Virat Kohli has led from the front with his consistency and class. Devdutt Padikkal, captain Rajat Patidar and Tim David have provided solidity and marshalled the side brilliantly with their explosive batting. Not to forget, Venkatesh Iyer has brought stability in the lower order.

Their bowling unit has performed shoulder to shoulder, complementing the batting perfectly. Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has delivered magnificent performances with the new ball. Josh Hazlewood's experience has made him one of the most dependable bowlers in the side. Jacob Duffy too has been a reliable performer. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans are buzzing with sparks. The 2022 champions have gathered momentum at the right time. They touch down in Ahmedabad brimming with confidence after a stunning victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. A lot for GT has revolved around the outstanding opening pair of captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The duo were exceptional, stitching together a match-winning 167-run partnership in Qualifier 2, steering their side to a commanding seven-wicket win on Friday. GT's batting is also solidified by the presence of Jos Buttler, the ever-reliable Rahul Tewatia, and all-rounder Jason Holder. They all are capable of posing a huge threat, and they have shown it in the past games of the current season. The Titans' bowling attack is equally intimidating. South African speedster Kagiso Rabada and India stars Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna will lead GT's bowling attack. Meanwhile, the presence of Rashid Khan gives Gujarat a genuine match-winner. Now as the final approaches, RCB would prepare to secure consecutive IPL titles. For Gujarat Titans, it is a chance to reclaim the crown after falling short in the past seasons.

Head-to-head

Matches - 9

RCB won - 5

GT won - 4

RCB likely XI: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar

GT likely XI: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna