Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru meet in the IPL final at Ahmedabad, with GT enjoying the advantage of playing at their home ground after thunderstorms in Chandigarh delayed their travel. The matchup brings together the two strongest teams of the season, both carrying significant momentum but also some pressure points that could shape the title battle.
RCB enter the final with a powerful batting unit and a dangerous pace attack, though their record away from home has been mixed. They lost to GT in Ahmedabad during the league stage, where they were bowled out for 155, and have won only three of seven away or neutral matches in IPL 2026. Even so, their recent form suggests they remain capable of producing a decisive performance. In their previous playoff match in Dharamsala, RCB’s top five all contributed as the team posted the highest score ever recorded in the playoffs. After 18 years without a title, they now have a chance to win consecutive matches that could deliver their first championship.
GT, meanwhile, have built their campaign around the new-ball threat of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, who have been especially effective in the powerplay. Their pace pair has consistently attacked opposition batters early, and Gujarat’s bowling numbers are among the best in the tournament. Their strike-rate with the ball is the best in the competition, and that has improved further at home. GT are making their third final in five years and seeking a second title in that span.
The spotlight will fall on Tim David for RCB and Jason Holder for GT. David has had a few low scores recently, but his ability to change a game in a few deliveries remains intact, as shown by his quick-fire innings against Punjab Kings. Holder has been an important all-round addition for GT, taking 17 wickets at a strong economy rate while giving the captain more flexibility in how to use Rashid Khan and the rest of the attack.
Team selection could matter. RCB may welcome Phil Salt back if he is fit, though Venkatesh Iyer has covered well in his absence. Their likely XI still features Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood. GT are expected to rely on Shubman Gill, B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, R Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, and Siraj.
The final is being staged on the same Ahmedabad pitch used in the previous final and in the league-stage meeting between these two sides. The surface has generally supported chasing teams, and recent final history also suggests an advantage to the team batting second.
