The IPL 2026 final will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Sunday in a clash between two teams who have taken different paths to reach the title match.RCB enter the final to win their second consecutive IPL title. Their campaign is built around an attacking batting approach, with the likes of Virat KohliDevdutt Padikal, Tim David, skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Venkatesh Iyer have been scoring at a rapid pace throughout the season. Bengaluru’s batsmen largely stick to the same approach regardless of the pitch conditions or the plans of the opposition. This approach has put them under pressure at times, but it has helped them post 200-plus totals more often than any other side this season.Patidar’s leadership has also been instrumental in maintaining stability within the team over the past two seasons.Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, have relied on a different formula. Openers Shibman Gill and Sai Siddharsan have preferred measured starts in the powerplay, usually scoring at a run-rate slightly above nine runs per over rather than going all out from the start.A major reason behind this approach is the reliance on top order. Gill, Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have carried most of the batting responsibilities this season and have been consistent. Gayle scored 722 runs at a strike rate of 163, Sudharsan scored 710 runs at a strike rate of 159 while Buttler scored 507 runs at a strike rate of 157.The Titans will once again rely heavily on the trio in the finals. Their record at home this season can also give them confidence, having won five of their seven matches at the Narendra Modi Stadium.However, they face a strong RCB bowling attack under his leadership. Bhuvneshwar KumarWho is second on the Purple Cap list with 26 wickets. Josh Hazlewood took 13 wickets, Rasukh Salam took 16 while Krunal Pandya took 13 wickets and useful runs.While RCB looks to have a strong batting line-up due to their depth and power-hitting options, Gujarat’s bowling attack could prove decisive if Ahmedabad’s surface provides support.
Head-to-head record
The two teams have faced each other nine times in the history of IPL. RCB have won five matches while GT have won four.The teams have already met three times this season. RCB won two of those matches, while GT won once, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad – the same venue that will host the final.Both teams also have fond 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 win the 2022 trophy in their first IPL season. GT also reached the 2023 final in Ahmedabad but lost to Chennai Super Kings.
