Picture Credit: BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to reach the final of the Indian Premier League 2026 after defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala.
Despite the heavy loss, the Gujarat Titans remain in contention and will compete in Qualifier 2 on May 29 against the Eliminator winner for a place in the final.
Gujarat Titans asked RCB to bat first, and the side posted an imposing 254/5 in their 20 overs. RCB suffered an early setback when Venkatesh Iyer departed for 19.
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli then stabilised the innings with a 72-run partnership. Kohli scored a fluent 43 before being dismissed by Jason Holder, while Padikkal contributed 30.
RCB slipped to 94/3, but captain Rajat Patidar rebuilt the innings with a crucial 95-run stand alongside Krunal Pandya.
Krunal Pandya scored a quick 43, including two sixes and five boundaries, before departing.
Patidar continued to anchor the innings and accelerated in the later stages. He added valuable runs with Tim David and later stitched a rapid partnership with Jitesh Sharma, ensuring RCB reached a formidable total of 254.
For the Gujarat Titans, Kagiso Rabada and Holder claimed two wickets each, while Prasidh Krishna took one.
In response, the Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. Sai Sudharsan fell early for 14, and the batting line-up failed to build partnerships.
The team lost Jos Buttler (29), Nishant Sindhu (5), and Holder (0) in quick succession, slipping further into trouble.
Although Rahul Tewatia fought back with a determined 68 and shared a 68-run stand with Mohammed Siraj, the effort proved insufficient.
RCB’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to seal the victory. Jacob Duffy led the attack with three wickets.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya claimed two wickets each, while Josh Hazlewood added one.
With this comprehensive victory, RCB have secured direct entry into the final, while Gujarat Titans will look to bounce back in Qualifier 2 to keep their title hopes alive.
Also Read: Rajat Patidar’s 93* Powers RCB To Massive Total Against Gujarat Titans
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