The IPL 2026 season has been building toward this moment. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans meet at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31, with the title on the line. Defending champions against former winners, two of the most in-form teams in the tournament, and a venue that has already hosted some of cricket’s biggest occasions. The final starts at 7:30 PM IST. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and former winners Gujarat Titans battle for IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium
RCB Chasing a Rare IPL Achievement
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a season that has been difficult to argue with. Under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, they reached the final by producing what was arguably the most dominant playoff performance in IPL history — posting 254/5 against these same Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, with Patidar himself smashing 93 off 33 balls in an innings that broke records and left opponents with little answer.
If RCB win today, they join Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only franchises to defend an IPL title successfully. That context alone gives the match a historical dimension beyond just this season.
Virat Kohli has again been the anchor at the top — 600 runs this season, consistent and influential in equal measure. The bowling attack has been well distributed, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading the wicket tally at 28, and Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya all contributing meaningfully.
Also Read: RCB Crushes Gujarat Titans by 92 Runs to Reach IPL 2026 Final in Dominant Fashion
Gujarat Titans Eye Second IPL Trophy
Gujarat came through a different path to the final, and their Qualifier 2 win over Rajasthan Royals was one of the more impressive performances of the playoffs. Chasing 215, they completed the highest successful run chase in their franchise history — with Shubman Gill scoring a century under pressure and Sai Sudharsan adding a fifty in a 167-run opening partnership that effectively settled the match.
Gill and Sudharsan have been the story of GT’s batting season. Gill sits at 722 runs, Sudharsan at 710 — both among the best performers in IPL 2026. The bowling is anchored by Kagiso Rabada, currently leading the Purple Cap race with 28 wickets, supported by Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan, and Prasidh Krishna.
Also Read: Gujarat Titans Into IPL 2026 Final After Thrilling Win Over Rajasthan Royals in the Qualifier 2
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head Record
In nine IPL meetings, RCB hold a 5-4 edge. This season, they’ve met three times — RCB winning two, including that emphatic Qualifier 1 result. Gujarat’s only win came at this very ground in Ahmedabad, which adds an interesting layer of context going into today.
Both teams have won titles here before — GT lifted their first IPL trophy at this venue in 2022, and RCB claimed their first championship last season.
Probable Playing 11 for IPL 2026 Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Rasikh Salam.
Impact Player options: Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox.
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill (C), Sai Sudharsan, Nishant Sindhu, Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
Impact Player options: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Sai Kishore.
Five Reasons to Watch the IPL 2026 Final
1. RCB’s Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
Very few franchises have ever defended an IPL title. RCB have the squad, the form, and the confidence to do it — but Gujarat are standing in the way.
2. Shubman Gill vs Virat Kohli
Two of India’s biggest batting names, both in outstanding form, both carrying their teams on their shoulders. Their individual performances could decide the match.
3. Orange Cap and Purple Cap Battles
Gill, Sudharsan, and Kohli are all in contention for the batting award. Rabada and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are neck and neck in the bowling race. Individual milestones and team glory collide in the same match.
4. Record-Breaking Form on Both Sides
RCB posted the highest-ever IPL playoff total in Qualifier 1. GT completed their highest-ever successful chase in Qualifier 2. Both teams know how to bat and bowl under pressure.
5. Two Evenly Matched Teams
There aren’t many clear weaknesses on either side. Strong batting depth, quality bowling options, experienced leadership — this final has the makings of a genuine contest rather than a one-sided affair.