Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) lock horns in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, setting up a high-voltage contest at the Narendra Modi Stadium. RCB arrive as defending champions after lifting the title for the first time in 2025, and they will be aiming to go one better again and complete a back-to-back triumph. The franchise is led by Rajat Patidar, with Virat Kohli expected to provide the big-match spark, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar is tasked with steering the bowling attack at the crucial end.
GT, captained by Shubman Gill, will be hoping to turn another final appearance into silverware. The Titans are set to play their third final in five seasons and are chasing a second championship, with Gill and opening partner Sai Sudharsan central to their hopes. With both teams chasing the same crown, every phase—powerplay, middle overs, and death bowling—could decide the margin.
Quick facts
- IPL 2026 final: RCB vs GT in Ahmedabad on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
- Winner earns a grand cash prize of Rs 20 crore, along with the IPL 2026 trophy.
- RCB vs GT overall head-to-head: 9 IPL meetings—RCB won 5, GT won 4.
- This season’s edge: RCB lead 2-1 and have already beaten GT in Qualifier 1.
- RCB’s title approach: back-to-back bid after ending an 18-year wait in 2025.
- GT’s milestone: third final in five seasons since entering the league in 2022.
Rs 20 crore at stake—the final is not just about the trophy. The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 20 crore, with RCB and GT fighting for both the cheque and the silverware on the same night.
The Rs 68.75 crore bowling showdown could end up being the defining storyline. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Rs 10.75 crore), Josh Hazlewood (Rs 12.5 crore), and Rasikh Dar (Rs 6 crore) have formed a strike group that has delivered across the season.
GT’s pace unit has arguably been even more imposing. Kagiso Rabada (Rs 10.75 crore), Mohammed Siraj (Rs 12.25 crore), Prasidh Krishna (Rs 9.5 crore), and Jason Holder (Rs 7 crore) have all posted more than 16 wickets this season, giving the Titans multiple ways to break partnerships. Together, these seven players command a combined Rs 68.75 crore.
RCB vs GT H2H and season form
When it comes to past meetings, RCB and GT have crossed paths nine times in IPL history. RCB have the upper hand with five wins, while GT have won four. In the current campaign, RCB also hold the slight advantage with a 2-1 record, and they have already beaten GT in Qualifier 1—an important marker heading into the title match.
Kohli vs Gill: the marquee battle
The spotlight is also on the clash between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill. It’s framed as a contest between “King” and “Prince” of modern Indian cricket, but the real takeaway is simple: both have produced standout seasons and carried their teams deep into the final.
For RCB, Kohli’s ability to anchor and accelerate at the right moments could be decisive. For GT, Gill’s composure—paired with the platform provided by Sai Sudharsan—gives the Titans a clear route to building totals or making successful chases. With the title on the line, only one man’s innings is likely to define the night.
Final stakes: GT’s quest and RCB’s back-to-back dream
GT will be looking for glory in front of a home crowd advantage, with the Titans entering the final as one of the most consistent teams of the last few years. They’ve reached the showpiece three times in five seasons—an extraordinary run given they joined the league in 2022—and now they want to capture their second trophy.
RCB, meanwhile, are chasing history of their own. After ending an 18-year wait last year to win the IPL title for the first time, they now have the opportunity to become only the third franchise to retain the championship. They finished on top of the points table, won Qualifier 1, and head into the final with a slight edge.
Welcome to live coverage of the IPL 2026 final. Reigning champions RCB face GT in a blockbuster matchup, with both sides chasing the IPL 2026 title in Ahmedabad. Stay with the broadcast for all the live updates from the Narendra Modi Stadium.
