Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) roared into their second consecutive IPL final after a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on Tuesday. With the bat, RCB put up 254 for five and then defended the total with ruthless bowling to end Gujarat’s chase far short of the target.
Key takeaways
- RCB secured a 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala.
- Rajat Patidar anchored the innings with an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, striking nine sixes and five fours.
- Bengaluru posted 254 for five after being put in to bat first, including 86 runs in the last five overs.
- Gujarat Titans were restricted to 162 all out in reply, despite a 68-run fight-back from Rahul Tewatia.
- RCB’s route to the final is powered by this being their fifth IPL final appearance; Gujarat now face Qualifier 2 for the last spot.
Patidar’s surge sets up a massive RCB total
The chase began with RCB laying down an early tempo. Venkatesh Iyer attacked Mohammed Siraj from the first over, collecting three boundaries before departing for 19 when Kagiso Rabada struck.
Virat Kohli then stitched momentum with Devdutt Padikkal as RCB pushed the scoring rate through the powerplay. Kohli made 43 and Padikkal contributed 30, leaving Bengaluru on 76 for one after the first phase of the innings.
Gujarat Titans tightened the middle overs and briefly pulled the contest into their favour. Jason Holder accounted for Kohli and Padikkal in the same over, while Rashid Khan kept pressure on with accurate bowling.
However, the match swung decisively in the 14th over. Patidar, who had already survived two dropped chances earlier in his innings off Prasidh Krishna, capitalised immediately on the lifelines. Kulwant Khejroliya conceded 28 runs in that spell, with the over featuring misfields, two no-balls and a wide.
In the death overs, Patidar continued to strike with intent against both Khejroliya and Rashid Khan. Krunal Pandya provided valuable support, adding 43 during a 95-run partnership that ensured RCB kept accelerating. Patidar reached his half-century with a six off Rabada and carried his momentum right through to the final over.
By the time the innings ended, RCB had raced to 254 for five. The final six-over burst—114 runs in total, including 86 in the last five—left Gujarat Titans chasing an almost insurmountable target.
Gujarat’s chase derails early as RCB strike at key moments
Chasing 255, Gujarat Titans needed a solid start but lost early wickets. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed in an unusual manner when his bat slipped from his hands while he faced Jacob Duffy, and the ball crashed into the stumps. Sudharsan made 14.
Shubman Gill then fell shortly after for just two, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The experienced pacer finished with two wickets and also climbed to the top of the Purple Cap standings with 26 scalps.
RCB kept the momentum rolling. Josh Hazlewood removed Jos Buttler for 29, and Rasikh Salam struck again by dismissing Nishant Sandhu and Holder in the same over as Gujarat slid to 51 for five inside the powerplay.
Rahul Tewatia tried to revive the chase, scoring 68, but the required run rate never came down enough. In the end, Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162.
Final qualification confirmed: RCB set for another title shot
The victory means RCB will play their fifth IPL final, adding to previous appearances in 2009, 2011, 2016 and now 2025.
Gujarat Titans will take on the winner of the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 to determine the remaining team for the final.
