TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: Flat pitches, massive sixes and relentless run scoring have defined IPL 2026 so far. But when Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium on Tuesday, the contest may ultimately depend on the bowlers.The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala is unforgiving for bowlers due to its short boundaries. Over the last few days, the way Gujarat Titans Jose Butler And Royal Challengers were emptying the ballbox with fearsome sixes at Bengaluru’s Tim David Stands and even outside the stadium offered a teaser of what was to come in Qualifier 1. There is no doubt that this could be another high-scoring contest. In the three matches played here this year, teams crossed the 200-run mark five times. The only innings that fell short ended at 199/8. In those three games, 74 sixes have been hit, averaging a maximum of 25 per match.The batsmen will be salivating at the prospect of another run fest.This will also be another chapter in the war between the ‘King’ – Virat Kohli – and ‘Prince’ – Shabman Gul – who is seen by many as the heir to the batting legacy of Indian cricket. The pair appeared to be in pristine touch during their hour-long net session. With 616 runs from 13 matches, Gill is second only to opening partner Sai Sudharsan in the race for the Orange Cap. Kohli, after a brief slump in the middle of the tournament, has rediscovered form with a brilliant century and now has 557 runs this season.But amid all the noise around batting firepower, it may be the bowlers who determine which way the competition swings.GT Assistant Coach Vijay Dahiya believes that both the teams are equally prepared for the competition due to their quality bowling attack.
Shubman Gul during a practice session ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 qualifier match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh. (PTI)
“In cricket, it’s always about putting runs on the board. But at the end, you have to have a strong bowling unit and that’s what it is. The other important thing is consistency. If you look at both sides, the bowling units have been very consistent.“And the self-belief in the bowlers, along with the confidence shown in them by the captain and the management, means that you hardly see any changes from either side. I think that’s the result,” Dahia told reporters.Taking 24 wickets in 14 matches Bhuvneshwar Kumar And Kagiso Rabada is the joint-highest wicket-taker between the two sides, with the Indian veteran leading South Africa at economy rate. Not far behind. Muhammad Siraj With 17 wickets. Even with Josh Hazlewood (12), Jason Holder (13), Parsed Krishna (14) and Rashikh Salam Dar (14), it could turn out to be an even contest. Add spinners Rashid Khan (19) and Krunal Pandya (11) to the equation, and the battle only gets more interesting.Dahiya admitted that interacting with Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the powerplay will be important, but also warned RCB that GT have equal firepower in the ranks of Siraj and Rabada.
Virat Kohli (L) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (R) of Royal Challengers Bengaluru during a practice session ahead of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. (PTI)
“As far as the challenge. [Bhuvneshwar Kumar] Concerned, I think the same can be said for our opposition. If you talk about powerplay, our numbers are the best in this tournament. So if the conditions are favourable, it works for both teams,” Dahiya said.RCB captain Rajat Patidar echoed the sentiment, stressing how important Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s role could be when he takes on the season’s two highest run-scorers in Sai Sudharsan and Shibman Gul.“Our strength is bowling. The way we bowl in the powerplay will be very important. We will look for early wickets and that is what we have done throughout the tournament. Repeating the same process over and over again can make the difference.” That’s what Bhuvi has done, and we hope to continue like that,” said Patidar.
Which team’s bowling attack do you think will have the most impact in Qualifier 1?
In a season dominated by batting headlines and rising totals, Qualifier 1 may ultimately come down to which bowling attack can hold its nerve for a few crucial overs. On a pitch designed for big hits, the bowler of the team who bats last can make the team directly. IPL Final
