IPL Final Begins: RCB Opt To Bowl, GT Make One Change

Royal Challengers Bengaluru elected to bowl after winning the toss against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

The summit clash presents both franchises with an opportunity to claim a second IPL championship.

A victory would place either side among the select teams that have lifted the trophy more than once, alongside the Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Bengaluru secured the title at this venue in 2025, while Gujarat celebrated its maiden triumph here in 2022.

Captain Rajat Patidar confirmed that Bengaluru would enter the final with the same playing XI that comfortably overcame Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala.

Patidar observed that the pitch looked conducive to batting and expected conditions to remain largely consistent throughout the contest. He emphasised the need for his side to concentrate solely on the challenge at hand rather than reflecting on previous achievements.

The Bengaluru skipper also acknowledged the unwavering support of the franchise’s fan base. He noted that supporters had travelled across the country to cheer the team throughout the season.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill said he would have preferred to bat first had his team won the toss. He indicated that setting a target would have been his preferred approach.

Gill announced a single alteration to the line-up, bringing in pace-bowling all-rounder Arshad Khan in place of spinner R Sai Kishore. He suggested that fast bowlers could extract some early movement before batting conditions improved as the innings progressed.

Officials selected pitch number six for the final, with both square boundaries measuring approximately 66 metres. The mixed-soil wicket should provide assistance to both batters and bowlers.

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch assessed the pitch during the pre-match analysis. He described it as a good batting track without being excessively high-scoring.

Former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop predicted that seamers would focus on disciplined, good-length bowling. He added that hit-the-deck deliveries could play an important role in the contest.

Both teams boast quality performers across departments. As a result, the IPL 2026 final promises an engrossing contest. Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will battle for the coveted trophy in Ahmedabad.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Final: Parthiv Patel Confident Of GT’s Ahmedabad Edge