Xplorich
The IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in a clash between two teams that have followed different paths to reach the title match.RCB enter the final looking to win their second IPL title in a row. Their campaign has been built around an attacking batting approach, with the likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, captain Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer scoring at a rapid pace throughout the season. The Bengaluru batters have largely stuck to the same method regardless of pitch conditions or opposition plans. That approach has occasionally put them under pressure, but it has also helped them post 200-plus totals more often than any other side this season.Patidar’s leadership has also played an important role in maintaining stability within the team over the last two seasons.Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have relied on a different formula. Openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have preferred a measured start in the powerplay, usually scoring at a run rate slightly above nine runs per over rather than going all-out from the beginning.A major reason behind that approach is the dependence on the top order. Gill, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have carried much of the batting responsibility this season and have delivered consistently. Gill has scored 722 runs at a strike rate of 163, Sudharsan has made 710 runs at a strike rate of 159, while Buttler has contributed 507 runs at a strike rate of 157.The Titans will once again depend heavily on the trio in the final. Their record at home this season may also give them confidence, having won five of their seven matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium.However, they face a strong RCB bowling attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is second on the Purple Cap list with 26 wickets. Josh Hazlewood has taken 13 wickets, Rasikh Salam has picked up 16, while Krunal Pandya has contributed 13 wickets and useful runs lower down the order.While RCB appear to have the stronger batting line-up because of their depth and power-hitting options, Gujarat’s bowling attack could prove decisive if the Ahmedabad surface offers assistance.
Head-to-head record
Head-to-head, the two sides have met nine times in IPL history. RCB have won five matches, while GT have won four.The teams have already faced each other three times this season. RCB won two of those contests, while GT won once, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad — the same venue that will host the final.Both teams also have good memories of the ground. RCB defeated Punjab Kings there to win their first IPL title last season, while Gujarat Titans beat Rajasthan Royals at the same venue to lift the 2022 trophy in their debut IPL season. GT also reached the 2023 final in Ahmedabad but lost to Chennai Super Kings.
