RCB Storm Into IPL 2026 Final After Crushing Gujarat Titans by 92 Runs
Rajat Patidar’s explosive 93 powers Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record playoff total as Gujarat Titans collapse under pressure in Qualifier 1
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to book their place in the IPL 2026 final after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by a massive 92-run margin in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on Tuesday.
Batting first after GT opted to bowl, RCB posted a record-breaking 254/5 in 20 overs — the highest-ever total in IPL playoff history. Skipper Rajat Patidar led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, smashing boundaries all around the park in a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
RCB got off to an aggressive start, with Virat Kohli contributing 43 runs and achieving a historic milestone by becoming the first batter in IPL history to score 600-plus runs in four consecutive seasons. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a valuable 43, while the middle-order accelerated brilliantly in the death overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 255, Gujarat Titans suffered an early collapse. Opener Sai Sudharsan was dismissed in an unusual hit-wicket dismissal, while captain Shubman Gill failed to make an impact, scoring just two runs. Despite a fighting 68 from Rahul Tewatia, GT never recovered from losing wickets in quick succession during the powerplay.
RCB’s bowling attack proved too strong, with Jacob Duffy picking up three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya claimed two wickets each to bowl GT out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
With the emphatic win, RCB secured back-to-back IPL final appearances, while Gujarat Titans will now face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for another chance to reach the summit clash.
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