With the 2026 Indian Premier League reaching the business end, the league stage has wrapped up after nearly two months of intense action in punishing heat. The tournament is now down to the last four matches, and the playoffs are set to begin later on Sunday with the opening clash at Dharamsala—chosen as the only venue expected to offer comfortable conditions. Table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face second-placed Gujarat Titans in what promises to be a high-stakes start to the knockout phase.
Play-offs schedule and what is at stake
- The league phase concluded on Sunday, leaving just four matches to decide the champions.
- The first playoff encounter begins later today at Dharamsala.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru, finishing at the top of the table, take on Gujarat Titans, who finished second.
- The winners of this first playoff will progress directly to the final, scheduled for May 31.
Key match-winners to watch
Virat Kohli: form and motivation after the handshake controversy
In RCB’s most recent league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Virat Kohli became the centre of attention after refusing to shake hands with SRH opener Travis Head following the game. The moment sparked a wave of negative publicity, but Kohli is also the type to convert controversy into focus. The timing of this knockout clash adds another layer of motivation: a win here means a straight route to the May 31 final. With RCB aiming to defend their title, Kohli’s impact in big matches is seen as a major threat to Gujarat’s plans.
Kagiso Rabada: the fast-bowling edge for Gujarat
For Gujarat Titans, the spotlight is on Kagiso Rabada, who turned 31 yesterday. After birthday celebrations, the expectation is that he will be even more driven to help GT reach their third final. This season, Rabada has been a consistent strike bowler, taking 24 wickets across 14 games while maintaining an economy rate of 9.19. His pace and ability to apply pressure are not limited to one phase of the innings—he can threaten in the powerplay, in the middle overs, and at the death. Since RCB are heavily reliant on their top order, an early breakthrough from Rabada—something he has often managed this season—could swing the contest in GT’s favour. The Dharamsala surface is also expected to suit fast bowlers, which only heightens his danger.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood: RCB’s pace threat
If Gujarat’s bowling attack is anchored by Rabada, RCB counter with their own pace firepower through Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Bhuvneshwar has similarly produced strong numbers, with 24 wickets as well, though with a more economical 8.07. His bowling style is viewed as particularly compatible with Dharamsala’s conditions. With the Purple Cap also in the picture, and RCB’s push for consecutive titles, his role becomes even more significant.
Hazlewood, after missing the opening matches, has developed into an important presence for RCB. The pitch is expected to offer him plenty of bounce, and he is known for maintaining sharp line and accurate length. Together, the Bhuvneshwar–Hazlewood combination is seen as a serious challenge for Gujarat, especially in the early phases where partnerships can be hardest to build.
Jos Buttler: potential turning point for Gujarat
Jos Buttler remains one of the most reliable big-match performers in the IPL, and his current form gives Gujarat added confidence. In GT’s last two games, he has scored a fifty, reinforcing his ability to deliver when the pressure rises. Buttler’s value lies in his adaptability—he can accelerate quickly when a team needs recovery, and when the situation demands aggression, he can take the game away with commanding hitting. For RCB, that makes early wickets crucial; removing Buttler early is viewed as one of the best ways to improve their chances in this knockout opener.
Rashid Khan: spin control and wicket-taking pressure
Spin is an area where Gujarat Titans are considered to have a clear advantage, largely due to Rashid Khan. Rashid has taken 19 wickets in 14 matches while keeping his economy rate at 8.72. RCB do have quality options in Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, but Rashid is still regarded as a step ahead in terms of overall impact. While the Dharamsala pitch may not be the most favourable for him on paper, the broader point is that Rashid is a complete spinner—he is capable of making things difficult regardless of conditions and cannot be treated as a one-dimensional threat.
How the match could tilt
- If Rabada strikes early against RCB’s top order, Gujarat’s chances of controlling the game rise sharply.
- Dharamsala’s assistance to fast bowlers could amplify both Rabada’s threat and RCB’s pace-led responses.
- For RCB, the key may be disrupting Jos Buttler before he finds rhythm, given his ability to change gears instantly.
- On the spin front, Rashid Khan’s wicket-taking ability is expected to remain a major factor even if the pitch is not tailor-made for him.
- Kohli’s motivation after the handshake controversy adds extra intensity to RCB’s pursuit of a direct route to the May 31 final.
