Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan expects Gujarat Titans (GT) to enter Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026 as marginal favourites against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), pointing specifically to the playing conditions in Dharamsala and the potency of Gujarat’s pace bowling unit. GT and RCB are set to meet in the tournament’s first qualifier on Tuesday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, with a berth in the IPL 2026 final on the line.
Pathan’s read ahead of GT vs RCB in Qualifier 1
- Pathan believes Dharamsala’s pitch and atmosphere are likely to reward fast bowling, with batters facing both movement through the air and extra bounce off the surface.
- He argued that this kind of ball behavior gives Gujarat an advantage because their pace attack has shown both quality and consistency.
- Pathan also noted that Gujarat’s fast bowlers have looked effective even on flatter conditions such as those seen in Ahmedabad, where the ball traditionally does less, and he expects the challenge to intensify further in Dharamsala.
- In his view, whichever side adapts faster will matter, but he still sees GT starting as favourites due to how their bowling fits the venue.
Beyond the tactical angle, Pathan reserved special praise for GT captain Shubman Gill, describing how Gill has developed in both leadership and batting since the season began. He said Gill’s captaincy has been impressive and that his performances with the bat have been equally strong, adding that the opener will relish the prospect of facing RCB.
Pathan highlighted Gill’s ability against pace as well as spin, saying the right-hander has brought more intent into his batting this season. He pointed to Gill’s off-side execution versus quicker bowling—stepping out, getting set, and then accelerating once he has found rhythm—and also referenced how Gill uses the slog sweep to land big hits against spin.
The former India pacer further suggested that Gill’s motivation for IPL 2026 is shaped by a “point to prove” after losing his spot in the Indian side for the T20 World Cup 2026. Pathan believes Gill is determined to force his way back into contention for national selection, adding that improving his strike rate was a clear focus when the season started.
Pathan also linked Gill’s personal goals with team ambition, saying winning the IPL trophy with Gujarat is another major target. He expects Gill to particularly enjoy the challenge of playing RCB in the first qualifier, and believes the Dharamsala surface should suit the style Gill has been displaying throughout the tournament.
