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After weeks of intense cricketing action, heartbreaks, happiness, stunning performances, unforgettable moments and countless memories, we have now come down to the last chapter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Gujarat Titans in the grand final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. Both sides will be chasing their second IPL title, while RCB will also be eyeing a special piece of history by becoming only the third team in tournament history to successfully defend their crown.

RCB vs GT match preview

Defending champions RCB have undoubtedly been the most consistent and impressive team of IPL 2026. By defeating the same opponent in Qualifier 1, RCB secured their place in the grand finale for the fifth time.

Skipper Rajat Patidar has been absolutely brilliant with both the bat and his leadership skills throughout the season. Virat Kohli has once again crossed the 600-run mark, continuing his remarkable consistency at the highest level. In the bowling department, Bhuvneshwar Kumar may have slipped behind in the Purple Cap race, but the veteran pacer still has every chance of reclaiming it with one final outstanding performance.

Overall, RCB look like a complete and consistent side capable of clinching the title. However, their biggest challenge comes against a strong Gujarat Titans outfit that will be playing at its own stronghold.

Now coming to Gujarat Titans, they produced a batting performance in Qualifier 2 that would certainly have sent a few chills through the RCB camp ahead of the final. The 2022 champions made a complete cakewalk of a daunting 215-run chase against Rajasthan Royals.

Shubman Gill once again showed why he is regarded as one of the finest batters in world cricket with a blistering century. He will once again be supported by Sai Sudharsan, who has been equally brilliant throughout the campaign.

In the bowling department, the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Jason Holder and Mohammed Siraj provides GT with tremendous firepower. However, the biggest concern remains the form of Rashid Khan.

GT will not only be looking to reclaim IPL glory but also hand Shubman Gill his first IPL title as captain.

RCB vs GT head-to-head record

Matches Played: 9

GT Won: 4

RCB Won: 5

No Result: 0

RCB vs GT key players

Sai Sudharsan

Sai Sudharsan has been sensational once again this season and is enjoying another remarkable campaign. The left-hander has registered a second consecutive IPL season with more than 700 runs, a feat achieved only by some of the greatest batters in the history of the competition, including Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli.

His strike rate has been touching the 160-mark while maintaining outstanding consistency at the top of the order. However, his hit-wicket dismissals in the previous two matches have certainly raised a few questions. Sudharsan will be eager to erase those memories and once again produce a match-winning knock to guide Gujarat Titans to the title.

Rajat Patidar

Rajat Patidar produced a jaw-dropping innings in Qualifier 1 and almost single-handedly took the game away from Gujarat Titans in Dharamshala.

One of Patidar's greatest strengths is his ability to counter both pace and spin bowling in the middle overs. RCB rely heavily on their captain to assess situations quickly and accelerate whenever required, especially if the top order fails to deliver.

With 486 runs at a stunning strike rate of 197, Patidar carries enormous responsibility heading into the biggest match of the season.

Kagiso Rabada

Current Purple Cap holder Kagiso Rabada has been one of the most destructive bowlers in IPL 2026.

Consistently touching speeds of 150 km/h, Rabada combines raw pace with exceptional accuracy. The Ahmedabad surface could suit his style perfectly and allow him to exploit conditions better than most bowlers in the competition.

With 28 wickets already this season and an economy rate of around 9.5, Rabada will be expected to strike early and push RCB onto the back foot during the powerplay.

Rasikh Salam Dar

Rasikh Salam Dar may have gone unnoticed on several occasions this season, but the youngster has repeatedly emerged as a trump card for Bengaluru.

The right-arm pacer has picked up 16 wickets in just 11 matches and has played a crucial role during the middle overs. His ability to break partnerships and provide timely breakthroughs has given RCB an additional edge throughout the campaign.

With the pressure of a final looming large, RCB will once again expect Rasikh to deliver in key moments and support the more experienced bowlers around him.

RCB vs GT Predicted Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Player: Rahul Tewatia

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar

Impact Player: Suyash Sharma

RCB vs GT match prediction

Finals are often the most unpredictable matches in any T20 tournament. Two of the best sides in the competition, packed with match-winners across every department, will battle for one final opportunity to get their hands on the prestigious IPL trophy.

The intensity of the IPL final is always on another level, especially when it features some of the biggest cricketing stars from around the world.

Gujarat Titans certainly hold a significant advantage by playing at home. They have been phenomenal at the Narendra Modi Stadium and understand the conditions far better than any visiting team. Earlier in the season, they also defeated RCB at this venue in a one-sided contest and will take confidence from that result.

Shubman Gill also has plenty to prove as a captain and will be desperate to lead his side to glory on home soil.

However, RCB have been the most dominant team over the last two seasons and possess the quality to turn games around regardless of venue or conditions. Their experience, balance and consistency make them an extremely dangerous opponent.

That said, considering Gujarat Titans' home advantage, familiarity with the conditions and the momentum gained from a stunning chase in Qualifier 2, they might just have a slight edge heading into the final.

Prediction: Gujarat Titans to win the RCB vs GT match and lift the IPL 2026 trophy

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