Royal Challengers Bengaluru Storm Into IPL 2026 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a sensational all-round performance to crush Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier-1 and storm into the IPL 2026 final. Chasing their second IPL title, RCB dominated the contest from the start and sealed their place in the final for the fourth time. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten 93, while Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismantled Gujarat’s batting lineup. Gujarat Titans will now face the Eliminator winner in Qualifier-2.

Batting first, Bengaluru shattered records by posting a massive 254/5, the highest total ever in an IPL knockout match. Virat Kohli scored 43, while Devdutt Padikkal added 30 to provide a blazing start. Rajat Patidar then unleashed an extraordinary assault on Gujarat bowlers, smashing boundaries and sixes all around the ground. Krunal Pandya chipped in with 43 as RCB crossed the 250-run mark in style. Patidar’s late fireworks and Gujarat’s poor fielding helped Bengaluru break Gujarat Titans’ previous IPL playoff record of 233/3 set in 2023.

In reply, Gujarat Titans faltered right from the beginning while chasing the daunting 255-run target. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed hit wicket, while Shubman Gill was bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for just 2. Jos Buttler showed some resistance with a quick 29, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Gujarat lost half their side for just 51 runs and never recovered from the collapse. Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a valiant knock, but RCB bowlers maintained complete control to bowl Gujarat out for 162 and complete a historic victory.