RCB are looking to make their second consecutive IPL final after finishing the league stage as table-toppers, while GT will be hoping to reach the final for the third time in their history and first time since the 2023 season. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 on Tuesday at the HPCA stadium in Dharamshala.RCB are looking to make their second consecutive IPL final after finishing the league stage as table-toppers, while GT will be hoping to reach the final for the third time in their history and first time since the 2023 season.According to the weather forecast, there are little chances of rain during the match as the chances of rainfall stand an hour before the game stand at more than 50 per cent.Nevertheless, as the day grows old, the possibility of rain interrupting play in Dharamshala on Tuesday evening gets lesser.However, if the rain plays spoilsport and persists for a long period during the game, the match could well get abandoned as both teams are required to play at least five overs to produce a result.What happens if the RCB vs GT match gets washed outIn case of a complete wash-out game, there are no reserve days for Qualifiers and Eliminator of the IPL 2026 playoffs.The winner of the game will be decided by the position of the team in the league stage. For today’s match, a washout would give RCB a chance to defend their title in the final as they have finished the league stage as table-toppers.For GT, a washout will see the Shubman Gill-led side qualify for the 2nd qualifier, where they will meet the winner of the Eliminator.It will be a bit of bad luck as the two-time finalist will miss the chance to get the final spot directly, as they have finished second on the points table in the league stage.The build-up to this high-stakes contest carries strong narratives. RCB enter the playoffs with a settled top-order, boosted by the comeback of Englishman Phil Salt, who is understood to have regained fitness ahead of the encounter. The bowling attack will be led by Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar.While GT heavily depend on their opening pair of skipper Gill and left-hander Sai Sudarshan, they also have a formidable fast bowling line-up, marshalled by the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.