New Delhi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday.RCB are looking to make their second consecutive IPL final after finishing the league stage as table-toppers, while GT are hoping to reach the final for the third time in their history and first time since the 2023 season.According to the weather forecast, the chance of rain during the match is less as the chance of rain is more than 50% one hour before the game.Even so, as the day wears on, the chances of rain disrupting play on Tuesday evening in Dharamsala become less likely.However, if the rain plays poorly and continues for a long time during the game, the match may well be over as both teams will have to play at least five overs to settle the result.What if RCB vs GT match ends?In case of a complete washout game, there are no reserve days for IPL 2026 Playoffs Qualifiers and Eliminators.The winner of the game will be decided by the team’s position in the league stage. For today’s match, a washout will give RCB a chance to defend their title in the final as they end the league stage as table toppers.For GT, the Shubman Gill-led team will look to qualify for the second qualifier, where they will meet the winner of the eliminator.It will be a bit unlucky as the two-time finalist will miss the chance to reach the final directly, as they are second on the points table in the league stage.There are strong narratives in the build-up to this high-stakes contest. RCB entered the playoffs with a settled top order, boosted by the return of Englishman Phil Salt, who is understood to have regained fitness ahead of the competition. The bowling attack will be led by Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar.While GT relies heavily on their opening pair of captain Gill and left-hander Sai Sudarshan, they also have a strong fast bowling line-up, with the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.
