RCB vs Gujarat Titans Prediction & Match Preview – IPL 2026 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans meet in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday 31 May. RCB, the defending champions, are widely seen as favourites. They reached the final in dominant style, beating GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1.

Gujarat, led by Shubman Gill, had to take the longer route. They bounced back in Qualifier 2 with a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, earning a second chance at the title. They also have home conditions in Ahmedabad, and will be expected to put up a serious challenge in front of their supporters.

Even so, Rajat Patidar’s RCB have looked the more complete team this season, with batting, bowling and fielding all in rhythm at the right time. Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer and Tim David form the core of the batting, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Jacob Duffy leading the attack. Gujarat’s main strengths are Sai Sudharsan, Gill and Jos Buttler with the bat, and Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Jason Holder with the ball.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

The Ahmedabad surface is generally well balanced, with true bounce and a quick outfield that helps batters; T20 totals of 170–200 or more are common. Fast bowlers can find some movement with the new ball, but batting gets easier as the game wears on, and spinners may come in during the middle overs as the pitch slows. The large boundaries reward timing over raw power. Evening dew can help the chasing side.

Weather

Hot and dry conditions are forecast, with temperatures around 39–41°C at the start, clear to partly cloudy skies and a very low chance of rain. Humidity may creep up, a light breeze may bring slight relief and the temperature should drop through the night. Some dew could develop in the second innings. Heat is likely to be the main challenge.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 195–210
• 2nd innings: 190–205

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