The IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday promises a high-stakes showdown between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. It brings together two franchises that have built their campaigns in markedly different ways, yet both have arrived at the title match with momentum and clear game plans.
RCB’s route: pressure through aggression, stability through leadership
Royal Challengers Bengaluru go into the final seeking a second consecutive IPL title. Their season has been shaped by a proactive batting style, with batters aiming to seize initiative early and keep the tempo high across overs.
Key contributors have included Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, captain Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer. Regardless of the pitch offering or the opponent’s field-setting, the Bengaluru batting group has largely stuck to the same attacking blueprint throughout the tournament.
That approach has sometimes left them exposed to moments of pressure, but it has also helped them post 200-plus totals more often than any other team this season. Patidar’s leadership has further been a stabilising influence, playing an important role in keeping the side coherent and consistent over the past two seasons.
GT’s route: measured starts, top-order dependence, and home confidence
Gujarat Titans, by contrast, have leaned on a more controlled method—especially in the powerplay—where their batters typically look to build steadily rather than launch an immediate all-out assault.
Openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have often set the tone by starting at a run rate just above nine runs per over, allowing the innings to develop without losing shape early. The foundation of this approach is the heavy reliance on their top order.
Top-order impact this season
- Shubman Gill: 722 runs at a strike rate of 163.
- Sai Sudharsan: 710 runs at a strike rate of 159.
- Jos Buttler: 507 runs at a strike rate of 157.
In the final, the Titans are expected to lean on the same trio to carry much of the batting responsibility. Their home record also adds confidence: Gujarat have won five of their seven matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Bowling battles and what the Ahmedabad surface could mean
While RCB may look stronger on paper in batting depth and power-hitting options, the outcome could swing on whether Gujarat’s bowlers can make key breakthroughs if the Ahmedabad track offers anything to the seam or the spinners.
On the RCB bowling side, Gujarat will face a challenge led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He currently sits second on the Purple Cap list with 26 wickets. Josh Hazlewood has taken 13 wickets, Rasikh Salam has picked up 16, and Krunal Pandya has contributed 13 wickets along with useful runs lower down the order.
Head-to-head, previous meetings, and Ahmedabad memories
These two teams have met nine times in IPL history, with RCB holding a narrow edge. Bengaluru have won five matches, while Gujarat Titans have won four.
How this season’s matchups have gone
- They have played each other three times in the current season.
- RCB won two of those fixtures.
- GT won once.
- One of the Gujarat victories came at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
- The final is also set to be staged at the same venue.
The stadium has also carried plenty of positive memories for both sides. Last season, RCB defeated Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium to secure their first IPL title. In their debut IPL campaign, Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals at the same ground to lift the 2022 trophy. Gujarat also reached the 2023 final in Ahmedabad but were beaten by Chennai Super Kings.
