Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a dominant display in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to secure a second consecutive trip to the final. Yet the evening’s most unusual talking point came from Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal during the chase, a moment that not only swung momentum but also set an unwanted IPL record.
Sudharsan’s dismissal and the defining moments
- In Gujarat’s run chase, Sudharsan attempted a shot off Jacob Duffy.
- As he went for the strike, his bat slipped from his hands, struck the pitch, and then crashed into the stumps.
- The umpire ruled it hit wicket, and Sudharsan became the first player in IPL history to be dismissed in this exact manner twice.
- After that bizarre exit, the opener’s stay ended at 14, leaving Gujarat under immediate pressure.
Bengaluru had already laid a formidable foundation with the bat. RCB posted 254/5, driven by captain Rajat Patidar’s blistering unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls. Patidar’s innings featured nine sixes and five fours, and it completely altered the complexion of the contest after he survived two dropped catches earlier in his knock.
RCB also accelerated sharply late in the innings, smashing 114 runs in the final six overs to ensure the total became extremely difficult to chase. Virat Kohli contributed 43 quickly, while Devdutt Padikkal made 30 to give Bengaluru a strong platform before the chase even began.
With the middle overs underway, Patidar and Krunal Pandya combined to push the team beyond the 250-mark, taking the score to a commanding position that demanded a near-perfect response from Gujarat.
Gujarat’s chase collapses
- With such a steep target, Gujarat needed momentum early, but the innings unravelled quickly.
- Not long after Sudharsan’s hit-wicket incident, captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for just two by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
- Jos Buttler also failed to provide the required breakthrough, with wickets continuing to fall at regular intervals.
- At one stage Gujarat were restricted to 51/5, and the chase never regained shape.
- Rahul Tewatia tried to fight back with a 68-run effort, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap.
- Gujarat were bowled out for 162, handing RCB a 92-run win.
With the victory, RCB booked their fifth IPL final appearance, while Gujarat Titans will still have another opportunity to qualify when they take on the winner of the Eliminator. The match also leaves IPL fans watching closely as the Orange Cap and Purple Cap race continues to heat up.
