The IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ended in dramatic fashion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully chased down 156 to clinch back-to-back IPL titles, overcoming Gujarat Titans in a tense but controlled finish.
After opting to field first, RCB produced a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in their 20 overs. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided early breakthroughs by removing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan inside the powerplay, setting the tone for a controlled bowling display.
Champions again! RCB beat GT by 5 wickets to seal back-to-back IPL trophies.#RCBvsGT #IPLFinal2026 #IPLFinals2026 #IPLFinals #IPL2026 #Champions #RCB #ViratKohli #IPLTrophy pic.twitter.com/V9dV3FyCkG
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) May 31, 2026
While Nishant Sindhu and Washington Sundar offered resistance, Sundar anchoring the innings with a composed half-century, regular wickets ensured Gujarat never fully broke free. Rasikh Dar and Bhuvneshwar combined effectively at the death to keep GT to a below-par total despite a few late sparks.
In reply, RCB’s chase was anchored by Virat Kohli, who led from the front with a blazing start, racing to a 25-ball fifty and setting the tone for the pursuit. Despite wickets falling at regular intervals, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan, RCB never lost control of the required rate. Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provided crucial support in the middle overs, keeping the innings on track even during GT’s fightback.
Virat Kohli celebrates as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad to win the IPL 2026 title.#ViratKohli #RCB #IPLFinal2026 #IPLFinal #IPL2026 #TheStatesman pic.twitter.com/q4EoLa9Vut
— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) May 31, 2026
In the end, Kohli held his nerve and finished the chase in trademark style, sealing victory with a six as RCB crossed the line and lifted their second consecutive IPL trophy in a high-pressure final built on control, resilience, and a commanding batting effort.
RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli,,Devdutt Padikkal, Krunal Pandya, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Dar
Impact Substitutes:
Venkatesh Iyer, Kanishk Chouhan, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj
Impact Substitutes:
Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Sai Kishore
https://twitter.com/TheStatesmanLtd/status/2061144834476536234
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Over 18: RCB 161/5
Virat Kohli brought the IPL 2026 final to a decisive end in emphatic fashion, sealing the win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a massive six straight down the ground off Arshad Khan.
The over had already swung RCB’s way with Kohli picking up a crucial boundary and rotating strike effectively alongside Jitesh Sharma, who ensured the chase stayed on track with smart singles under pressure. But it was Kohli who took full control in the final moments, finishing the game in trademark style.
With that clean, powerful six, Kohli not only completed the chase but also delivered RCB’s back-to-back IPL title triumph in front of a roaring crowd in Ahmedabad.
Over 18: RCB 161/5
Virat Kohli brought the IPL 2026 final to a decisive end in emphatic fashion, sealing the win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru with a massive six straight down the ground off Arshad Khan.
The over had already swung RCB’s way with Kohli picking up a crucial boundary and rotating strike effectively alongside Jitesh Sharma, who ensured the chase stayed on track with smart singles under pressure. But it was Kohli who took full control in the final moments, finishing the game in trademark style.
With that clean, powerful six, Kohli not only completed the chase but also delivered RCB’s back-to-back IPL title triumph in front of a roaring crowd in Ahmedabad.
Over 17: RCB 148/5
Gujarat Titans turned the screw through Rashid Khan, who once again kept Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma largely quiet with his tight lines and clever variations. The over started cautiously with Jitesh struggling to free his arms before Kohli nudged a single to keep the scoreboard moving.
Jitesh Sharma managed a couple of useful singles in the middle phase of the over, but Rashid immediately responded with disciplined lengths, denying any boundary opportunities and forcing both batters into risk-free accumulation.
Kohli added another single to keep the chase ticking, but overall it was a controlled over from Rashid Khan as RCB moved to 148/5 after 17 overs.
Over 16: RCB 145/5
Virat Kohli kick-started the over with a superb boundary, timing a controlled pull over fine leg to ease early pressure in the chase. He followed it up with a couple of nervy but effective strokes, including a single and a testing lofted attempt that just cleared the infield safely.
Jitesh Sharma then kept the momentum steady at the other end, rotating strike with a smart single and ensuring RCB did not lose rhythm despite tight bowling from Arshad Khan. Arshad responded well after the boundary, tightening his lines and conceding just a handful of runs for the remainder of the over.
At the end of 16 overs, RCB are 145/5, with Kohli still anchoring the chase as the match heads into a tense final stretch in the IPL 2026 final.
Over 15: RCB 139/5
Royal Challengers Bengaluru found some much-needed momentum through Jitesh Sharma after the loss of Tim David. The wicketkeeper-batter started cautiously but soon opened up, timing a superb cover drive for four to lift RCB in a tense phase of the chase.
Prasidh Krishna tested him with disciplined short-of-length bowling, but Jitesh managed to rotate strike effectively and even picked up a well-controlled flick for a couple. Virat Kohli continued to anchor the innings at the other end, adding another single to keep the scoreboard ticking.
At the end of 15 overs, RCB are 139/5, with Jitesh beginning to settle and Kohli still holding the chase together in this high-pressure IPL 2026 final.
Over 14: RCB 132/5
Gujarat Titans clawed their way back into the contest with a crucial breakthrough as Tim David’s promising knock came to an end at a key moment in the chase. After a positive start to the over with sharp strike rotation and a powerful boundary over cover, David looked in control before falling while attempting to keep the scoreboard moving.
Arshad Khan struck at a vital stage, removing David to give GT a much-needed lift in the field. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, continued to hold one end steady, collecting a single and keeping RCB’s chase alive despite the setback.
With Jitesh Sharma now at the crease alongside Kohli, RCB move to 132/5 after 14 overs, but the momentum has clearly shifted back towards Gujarat Titans in this tense IPL 2026 final.
Over 13: RCB 126/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their strong chase of 156 with Virat Kohli and Tim David keeping the scoreboard moving against Rashid Khan. Kohli stayed composed at the crease, rotating strike with a couple of smart singles and a cleanly timed drive.
Tim David, however, provided the real momentum shift in the over, taking on Rashid with authority. He launched a towering six over long-on and followed it up with crisp strike rotation, ensuring RCB did not lose control of the chase despite Rashid’s tight lines.
At the end of 13 overs, Bengaluru are 126/4, with Kohli anchoring and David beginning to accelerate at the right time in this IPL 2026 final run chase.
Over 12: RCB 116/4
Virat Kohli continued to anchor the chase with calm authority as Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked up valuable runs against Arshad Khan. Kohli started the over cautiously but quickly shifted gears, striking a well-timed pull shot for four that kept RCB ahead in the contest.
Alongside him, Tim David played a supporting role, rotating strike and adding a couple of useful singles, including a fluent lofted drive over the covers. Arshad Khan mixed his pace and length well, but RCB ensured the scoreboard kept ticking despite the pressure from the Titans’ bowling unit.
At the end of 12 overs, Bengaluru are 116/4, with Kohli still central to the chase as the required rate begins to climb slightly in a tense IPL 2026 final.
Over 11: RCB 109/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to keep the chase moving despite Rashid Khan continuing to apply serious pressure through the middle overs. Virat Kohli and Tim David worked hard to rotate strike early in the over, picking up singles and a couple of well-placed strokes into the deep.
Tim David showed intent with a crisp cover drive for two before finally breaking free with a powerful cut shot for four, one of the few boundaries off Rashid in the over. Kohli, meanwhile, stayed composed, adding a couple of runs and ensuring RCB did not lose momentum despite the tightening grip from the Titans’ spinner.
At the end of 11 overs, Bengaluru are 109/4, with the chase finely poised as Kohli and David look to rebuild under pressure.
Over 10: RCB 100/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru steadied themselves after the double strike from Rashid Khan as Virat Kohli and Tim David ensured the scoreboard kept moving. Kohli led the response with a classy boundary through fine leg early in the over, before adding a couple of well-judged singles to rotate strike.
Tim David also showed intent, breaking the shackles with a powerful pull shot for four, despite a few dot balls where Jason Holder kept him tied down with short-pitched deliveries. The over helped RCB bring up the 100-run mark, a crucial psychological boost after losing quick wickets in the middle overs.
At the end of 10 overs, RCB are 100/4, with Kohli holding the chase together and Tim David settling into his role as the power-hitter at the other end.
Over 9: RCB 91/4
The game shifted sharply in Gujarat Titans’ favour as Rashid Khan produced a sensational over, striking twice to derail RCB’s chase. What began with Virat Kohli rotating strike ended in a dramatic collapse, as RCB lost Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in quick succession.
Patidar’s dismissal came first, as he mistimed a lofted shot straight to Kagiso Rabada at long-on, cutting short a well-set innings at a crucial stage. Moments later, Krunal Pandya also fell cheaply, trapped after failing to read Rashid’s variation.
Tim David then walked in to join Kohli at the crease as RCB suddenly found themselves under pressure at 91/4. Despite Kohli’s attempt to keep things steady with a couple of singles, the over firmly belonged to Rashid Khan, who has dragged Gujarat right back into the contest at a vital juncture of the final.
Over 8: RCB 88/2
RCB began the over with a steady rotation of strike as Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar picked up singles to keep the scoreboard ticking against Jason Holder. Both batters showed control early in the over, focusing on placement rather than risk.
Patidar then shifted gears with a crisp cut shot for four, followed by a couple of quieter deliveries where Holder kept things tight outside off stump.
At the end of eight overs, RCB are 88/2, with Patidar looking in good touch and Kohli holding things together as the chase progresses smoothly.
Over 7: RCB 81/2
Rajat Patidar took centre stage in a productive over for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as Mohammed Siraj continued to be tested in the middle phase of the chase. The RCB skipper began the over in commanding fashion, launching a short ball over square leg for a clean six to set the tone.
He followed it up with a couple of well-placed strokes, including a crisp on-drive for two and a smart single to keep the scoreboard moving alongside Virat Kohli. Kohli remained composed at the other end, rotating strike efficiently and ensuring RCB did not lose momentum despite the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer earlier.
Siraj tried to vary his length and keep things tight, but Patidar’s intent ensured RCB stayed ahead in the chase. At the end of seven overs, Bengaluru are 81/2, with their middle order beginning to settle into a promising rhythm in the IPL 2026 final.
Over 6: RCB 70/2
Gujarat Titans struck back through Kagiso Rabada as Devdutt Padikkal fell after a brief stay at the crease, breaking RCB’s momentum after a blazing start to the chase. Padikkal attempted to force a shot outside off stump but only managed a thick outside edge, with Arshad Khan completing the catch at third man.
Rabada, who had been under pressure earlier in the over, responded with a crucial wicket at a key moment, giving GT a much-needed breakthrough after Siraj’s earlier strike in the previous over had already dented RCB’s opening stand.
However, Virat Kohli once again ensured RCB kept the momentum alive, finishing the over with a powerful six over the leg side in typical fashion. Rajat Patidar joined him at the crease as RCB moved to 70/2, still firmly in control of the chase but with wickets beginning to slow their charge slightly.
Over 5: RCB 63/1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s rapid chase hit its first minor setback as Mohammed Siraj produced a timely breakthrough to remove the dangerous Venkatesh Iyer. After being put under pressure earlier in the over with a massive six over square leg, Iyer attempted another big hit but failed to clear Kagiso Rabada at mid-on, giving Gujarat Titans a crucial opening.
The dismissal came just as RCB looked to fully take control of the chase, with Virat Kohli already in rhythm and Devdutt Padikkal joining him at the crease. Siraj, however, showed excellent control under pressure to pull GT back into the contest.
Despite the wicket, RCB remain strongly placed at 63/1, with Kohli continuing his fluent start and the required rate well within reach. Padikkal now has the task of settling in alongside the in-form batter as the chase moves deeper into the powerplay.
Over 4: RCB 55/0
Virat Kohli turned on the heat in sensational fashion as Kagiso Rabada was taken to the cleaners in a breathtaking over of the IPL 2026 final. After a steady start to the chase, Kohli shifted gears instantly, dismantling Rabada with a mix of timing, placement, and clean striking.
The over began with a crisp flick through square leg for four, before Kohli unleashed a flurry of attacking shots, a powerful pull for another boundary, a wristy six over mid-wicket.
Despite Venkatesh Iyer surviving at the other end, the spotlight remained firmly on Kohli’s explosive hitting. RCB collected 19 runs from the over and raced to 55/0, putting Gujarat Titans under immediate pressure after a fiery passage of play.
Over 3: RCB 36/0
Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their explosive start to the chase as Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer kept the scoreboard racing against Mohammed Siraj. Kohli was once again the main aggressor, timing his shots beautifully through the leg side and mid-wicket region to collect two authoritative boundaries in the over.
Iyer also joined the attack with a powerful pull shot for four, showing intent despite Siraj mixing his lengths. Although the bowler beat him once with a sharp short delivery, RCB still gathered 12 runs from the over as the openers maintained a strong tempo in the powerplay.
At the end of three overs, RCB are 36/0, with Kohli in full flow and the chase firmly on track after a blazing start.
Over 2: 23/0
Royal Challengers Bengaluru turned on the aggression in the second over of the chase as Venkatesh Iyer took Kagiso Rabada apart in a stunning display of power-hitting. After a watchful start, Iyer shifted gears instantly, launching into Rabada with a mix of timing and brute force.
The over began with a classy lofted drive over cover for four, before a streaky cut attempt saw him beaten. But Iyer quickly found his rhythm, clearing long-off with a clean strike for six and following it up with another boundary through the off side. Even a short ball into the body was pulled away confidently to cap off a dominant over.
From 5/0 after the first over, RCB surged to 23/0, with Iyer already setting the tone in emphatic fashion. The chase has been ignited early, and Gujarat’s pace attack has suddenly been put under immediate pressure.
RCB begin chase at 5/0 After Siraj’s opening over
Over 1 (RCB): 5/0
Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a steady start to their chase of 156, reaching 5 without loss after the opening over from Mohammed Siraj. Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli ensured there were no early hiccups, focusing on getting off the mark safely in testing conditions.
Siraj kept things tight, mixing his lengths well and creating a few uncomfortable moments, including a beaten scoop attempt from Venkatesh Iyer and a leg bye off Kohli’s pad. However, Iyer managed to find a couple of scoring shots, including a well-judged flicked loft that fetched two valuable runs.
With just five runs coming from the over, RCB have started cautiously in their pursuit, looking to build a solid platform for the chase rather than taking early risks.
Over 20: GT 155/8
Gujarat Titans finished their innings with a mixed but eventful final over as Rasikh Dar picked up crucial wicket while also being taken for a maximum by Rashid Khan. The over began in explosive fashion as Rashid launched a short delivery straight down the ground for a huge six, giving GT a much-needed late boost.
However, Rasikh hit back immediately, removing Rashid on the very next over-ball when the batter top-edged a pull shot to deep square leg where Romario Shepherd completed a comfortable catch. The momentum swung again when Kagiso Rabada joined the action, rotating strike effectively but unable to find boundaries consistently.
Despite Rabada’s efforts in the final deliveries, Gujarat could only push the score to 155/8 after 20 overs. With wickets falling at regular intervals and RCB’s bowlers maintaining control through the middle and death overs, the Titans were restricted to a below-par total in the IPL 2026 final.
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Over 20: GT 155/8
Gujarat Titans finished their innings with a mixed but eventful final over as Rasikh Dar picked up crucial wicket while also being taken for a maximum by Rashid Khan. The over began in explosive fashion as Rashid launched a short delivery straight down the ground for a huge six, giving GT a much-needed late boost.
However, Rasikh hit back immediately, removing Rashid on the very next over-ball when the batter top-edged a pull shot to deep square leg where Romario Shepherd completed a comfortable catch. The momentum swung again when Kagiso Rabada joined the action, rotating strike effectively but unable to find boundaries consistently.
Despite Rabada’s efforts in the final deliveries, Gujarat could only push the score to 155/8 after 20 overs. With wickets falling at regular intervals and RCB’s bowlers maintaining control through the middle and death overs, the Titans were restricted to a below-par total in the IPL 2026 final.
Over 19: GT 145/7
Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his dream spell in the death overs, delivering yet another crucial breakthrough to leave Gujarat Titans struggling in the IPL 2026 final. Jason Holder, who had briefly tried to accelerate the innings, fell attempting a pull shot but only managed a top edge, with Josh Hazlewood completing a comfortable catch at third man.
The over had begun with Washington Sundar striking a powerful boundary through the leg side, but Bhuvneshwar responded immediately with tight lines and a pinpoint yorker that restricted further damage. Sundar still managed to keep the scoreboard moving with a couple of well-placed singles and a smart square drive.
Rashid Khan walked in after Holder’s dismissal and got off the mark with a fluent cover drive, but RCB remain firmly in control heading into the final over. At 145/7, Gujarat Titans will need a strong finish to reach a competitive total, while Bhuvneshwar’s spell continues to tilt the game firmly in Bengaluru’s favour.
Over 18: GT 137/6
Gujarat Titans produced their most productive over of the death phase, collecting 16 runs off Josh Hazlewood to give their innings a late push in the IPL 2026 final. Washington Sundar led the charge with a composed yet impactful knock, striking two boundaries in the over, including a well-timed flick and a controlled pull that found the fence despite RCB’s tight fielding setup.
Jason Holder also played his part with a couple of well-placed shots, including a cleanly struck straight drive over long-off for four that added crucial momentum at the back end of the innings. Hazlewood, who had been RCB’s most consistent bowler, was put under pressure for the first time in the death overs as GT finally found some rhythm.
At 137/6 after 18 overs, Gujarat Titans have managed to claw their way back into a more competitive position, with Sundar and Holder aiming to maximise the final two overs and push the total closer to a challenging finish.
Over 17: GT 121/6
Gujarat Titans’ innings continued to unravel in the death overs as Rasikh Dar produced another key strike, removing Rahul Tewatia to deepen RCB’s grip on the final. Tewatia, attempting to inject late momentum, went for a lofted shot but failed to time it properly, offering a simple catch to skipper Rajat Patidar at long-on.
Despite the wicket, Washington Sundar showed some resistance at the other end, working the ball into gaps and picking up useful runs alongside Jason Holder. The pair managed to keep the scoreboard moving with a mix of singles and the occasional boundary option, but the damage from earlier wickets has left GT struggling to accelerate meaningfully.
At the end of 17 overs, Gujarat Titans are 121/6, with Jason Holder joining Sundar at the crease and RCB firmly in control heading into the final phase of the innings.
Over 16: GT 115/5
Gujarat Titans responded strongly in the 16th over, collecting 10 valuable runs off Bhuvneshwar Kumar to push the innings past the 110 mark. Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia combined smart rotation with timely aggression to keep the scoreboard moving after the loss of Arshad Khan.
Sundar was the more proactive of the two, picking up a couple of well-timed boundaries through the offside and deep cover region, while also rotating strike effectively. Tewatia added the highlight of the over with a well-executed upper cut over fine third man for four, showcasing his intent to lift the scoring rate in the death phase.
Despite RCB’s disciplined bowling for most of the innings, this over offered Gujarat a much-needed release of pressure. At 115/5 after 16 overs, the Titans still have work to do, but Sundar and Tewatia have ensured they remain in the contest heading into the final overs.
Over 15: GT 105/5
Royal Challengers Bengaluru regained control of the innings as Josh Hazlewood delivered a crucial breakthrough to remove the dangerous Arshad Khan. The all-rounder, who had briefly shifted momentum with a powerful six in the previous over, mistimed a pull shot off a sharp short ball and was caught comfortably at fine leg by Rasikh Dar.
Despite the wicket, Gujarat Titans managed to collect six runs from the over through steady strike rotation between Washington Sundar and the newly arrived Rahul Tewatia. Sundar continued to hold the innings together with a composed approach, while Tewatia got off the mark with a couple of singles as he looked to settle in.
Hazlewood once again proved to be RCB’s strike weapon in the death phase, mixing pace and bounce effectively to restrict Gujarat’s momentum. At 105/5 after 15 overs, the Titans now find themselves under pressure, with Sundar and Tewatia tasked with pushing the innings towards a competitive finish.
Over 14: GT 99/4
Just when Royal Challengers Bengaluru appeared to have complete control, Gujarat Titans found a much-needed burst of momentum through Washington Sundar and Arshad Khan. The pair took 16 runs off Jacob Duffy's over, making it the most productive over of the innings since the powerplay.
Washington set the tone with a confident pull shot to the mid-wicket boundary before a thick outside edge raced away for another four. Arshad then joined the assault, showcasing his power by launching Duffy straight over long-on for a towering six before adding a single to keep the strike rotating.
The over helped Gujarat move from 83/4 to 99/4 and brought the 100-run mark within touching distance.
Over 13: GT 83/4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru struck a crucial blow at the start of the 13th over as Krunal Pandya removed the dangerous Jos Buttler. Looking to break the shackles after a prolonged period of tight bowling, Buttler stepped out in an attempt to accelerate, but Krunal cleverly fired the ball wide outside off stump. Beaten by the flight and turn, Buttler was stumped smartly by Jitesh Sharma for a valuable breakthrough.
The wicket brought Arshad Khan to the crease, and the all-rounder immediately injected some momentum into the innings. After getting off the mark with a single, Arshad took on Krunal and launched a powerful slog over the boundary for six, providing Gujarat Titans with a much-needed release after a quiet middle phase.
Despite losing their experienced finisher, Gujarat managed to collect 10 runs from the over thanks to Arshad's positive intent. At 83/4 after 13 overs, the Titans still have work to do, but Arshad and Washington Sundar have shown signs of a counterattack just when the innings needed one.
Over 12: GT 73/3
Jacob Duffy kept things tight for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, conceding just six runs in an over made up entirely of singles and a leg bye. With boundaries hard to come by, Jos Buttler and Washington Sundar focused on preserving their partnership and rotating the strike.
Both batters attempted to work Duffy's short-of-a-length deliveries into the gaps, collecting singles through the leg side and mid-wicket region. However, RCB's disciplined bowling and sharp field placements ensured Gujarat were unable to break free or find the fence.
At 73/3 after 12 overs, Gujarat Titans have added stability through the Buttler-Sundar stand, but the scoring rate remains under control.
Over 11: GT 67/3
Krunal Pandya continued to choke the scoring rate with another excellent over, conceding just four runs as Gujarat Titans struggled to find any momentum. Jos Buttler was tied down early in the over, managing only a single after two dot balls, while Washington Sundar also found the fielders with a mistimed cover drive.
With boundaries proving elusive, the pair were forced to rely on singles and hard-running between the wickets. Buttler managed to collect a couple of runs off the final delivery, but it did little to ease the pressure being applied by RCB's bowlers.
At 67/3 after 11 overs, Gujarat Titans remain in rebuilding mode.
Over 10: GT 63/3
Jacob Duffy backed up RCB's disciplined effort with another tidy over as Gujarat Titans managed just four runs at the halfway mark of their innings. Washington Sundar started cautiously with a dot ball before the batters rotated the strike through a series of singles.
Jos Buttler and Sundar looked content to consolidate after the loss of three early wickets, but RCB's bowlers continued to deny them any boundary opportunities. Duffy maintained tight lines and finished the over with a dot ball as Sundar failed to connect cleanly with a hook shot.
At the end of 10 overs, Gujarat Titans are 63/3. Buttler and Sundar have steadied the innings, but RCB remain firmly on top after a controlled first half with the ball.
Over 9: GT 59/3
Krunal Pandya continued to squeeze Gujarat Titans with a disciplined over, conceding just four runs after the dismissal of Nishant Sindhu in the previous over.
Jos Buttler attempted to break the shackles with a cover drive off the first ball but found the fielder at short extra cover.
With boundaries proving difficult to come by, Buttler and Washington Sundar focused on rotating the strike, picking up three singles between them. Krunal mixed his pace effectively and kept both batters quiet, allowing RCB to maintain the pressure through the middle overs.
At the end of nine overs, Gujarat Titans moved to 59/3, with Buttler and Sundar looking to rebuild after RCB's strong start with the ball.
Over 8: GT 55/3
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have struck again, and Gujarat Titans are now in deeper trouble in the IPL 2026 final. Rasikh Dar provided the breakthrough by dismissing the well-set Nishant Sindhu, who had been leading the recovery after the early departures of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.
The over began with Buttler and Nishant rotating the strike before the latter added two runs with a pull through the leg side. However, attempting to accelerate, Nishant stepped down the track against Rasikh's short delivery and mistimed his pull shot, with Devdutt Padikkal completing the catch at long-on.
Nishant's promising knock comes to an end just when Gujarat were beginning to rebuild. At 55/3 after eight overs, the Titans find themselves under pressure, with Jos Buttler and Washington Sunder carrying the responsibility of anchoring the innings.
Over 7: GT 50/2
Krunal Pandya was introduced after the powerplay and delivered a tidy first over, conceding just five runs. Gujarat Titans' batters focused on strike rotation rather than taking risks, with Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu collecting singles off the first five deliveries of the over.
RCB's fielders kept things tight, preventing any boundaries and forcing the batters to work hard for every run.
At the end of seven overs, Gujarat Titans have moved to 50/2.
Over 6: GT 45/2
Gujarat Titans picked up six runs from Rasikh Dar's first over as Nishant Sindhu continued to rebuild alongside Jos Buttler. After beginning the over with two dot balls, Nishant eased the pressure with a single before Buttler rotated the strike at the other end.
The highlight came on the fifth delivery when Nishant cleverly used the pace of a short ball, helping it fine for a boundary to collect four valuable runs. Rasikh finished the over with a dot ball.
At the end of six overs, GT are 45/2.
Over 5: GT 39/2
Just when RCB seemed to have complete control, Nishant Sindhu provided Gujarat Titans with a much-needed counterattack. The youngster took on Josh Hazlewood in the fifth over, striking consecutive boundaries to ease some of the pressure created by the early dismissals of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.
Nishant first guided a delivery past third man before producing an audacious lofted drive over cover for another four. The over yielded nine runs, helping Gujarat recover from 30/2 to 39/2.
While Jos Buttler is still settling in at the crease, Nishant's positive approach has ensured the Titans maintain a healthy scoring rate despite losing both openers inside the first four overs.
Over 4: GT 30/2
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have tightened their grip on the IPL 2026 final with a second wicket inside the powerplay. After Josh Hazlewood removed Shubman Gill in the previous over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck to dismiss Sai Sudharsan for 11.
The left-hander, who had looked positive early with a pair of boundaries, miscued a pull shot and was caught by Jitesh Sharma, leaving Gujarat Titans in early trouble at 26/2.
Jos Buttler walked in under pressure but got off the mark with a boundary off the final ball of the over, glancing Bhuvneshwar fine down the leg side.
With both openers back in the pavilion, the responsibility now shifts to Buttler and Nishant Sindhu to rebuild the innings as GT reach 30/2 after four overs.
Over 3 - GT 24/1
Josh Hazlewood has delivered an early breakthrough for RCB in the final. After being struck for a boundary by Shubman Gill, the Australian responded immediately as the GT skipper miscued a pull shot and handed a simple catch to Rajat Patidar at mid-on.
Nishant Sindhu walked in at No. 3 and got off the mark as Gujarat reached 24/1 after three overs, with Sai Sudharsan continuing to anchor the innings.
Over 2 - GT 18/0
Bhuvneshwar Kumar tightened things up after the expensive first over, conceding just five runs. Shubman Gill looked in excellent touch, producing a trademark cover drive through the off side for four, but the veteran seamer otherwise kept both openers quiet. Gujarat moved to 18 without loss after two overs.
Over 1 - GT 13/0
GT have made a lively start to the IPL 2026 final despite some wayward bowling from Jacob Duffy. Three wides helped Gujarat's cause before Sai Sudharsan found his rhythm with consecutive boundaries, including a crisp cover drive. Shubman Gill got off the mark with a single as the Titans collected 13 runs from the opening over.
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Toss Update: RCB Opt to Bowl in IPL 2026 Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
RCB have gone in with an unchanged XI from their Qualifier 1 victory, while Gujarat Titans have made one change, bringing back Arshad Khan for the title clash.