Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2026 season on Tuesday, with a direct place in the final at stake.
Both teams finished the league stage with 18 points, but RCB secured the top spot due to a superior net run rate. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, Bengaluru have looked like one of the most balanced sides this season, while Gujarat have heavily relied on their formidable top order and disciplined bowling attack.
The winner of the contest will qualify directly for the IPL 2026 final on May 31 in Ahmedabad, while the losing team will get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head Record In IPL
| Stat | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 8 |
| RCB Won | 4 |
| GT Won | 4 |
| No Result | 0 |
Key Records In RCB vs GT Matches
- Highest Total: 206/1 by RCB vs GT in Ahmedabad (2024), and 206/5 by RCB in Bengaluru (2026)
- Lowest Total: 147 all out by GT vs RCB in Bengaluru (2024)
- Biggest Win (by wickets): RCB won by 9 wickets in Ahmedabad (2024)
- Most Runs: Virat Kohli – 460 runs
- Highest Individual Score: Shubman Gill – 104* off 52 balls
- Most Wickets: Mohammed Siraj – 7 wickets
- Best Bowling Figures: Joshua Little – 4/45
HPCA Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium is expected to provide true bounce and carry, especially for fast bowlers under lights.
Pacers are likely to enjoy assistance early in the innings due to the cool conditions and possible cloud cover. Batters, however, can capitalise once set, with a par score expected to be in the 180–195 range.
Interestingly, chasing teams have enjoyed tremendous success in RCB vs GT encounters, which could tempt captains to bowl first after winning the toss.
Dharamshala Weather Forecast
Dharamshala is expected to remain pleasant during the evening, with temperatures ranging between 18°C and 21°C.
There is around a 25 percent chance of rain, although a full match is still likely. Humidity levels are expected to hover around 55–65 percent, while cloud cover and mountain breeze could aid swing bowling.
A reserve day is also available in case weather interrupts play.
Predicted Playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar
Impact Player: Suyash Sharma
Gujarat Titans
Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj
Impact Player: Prasidh Krishna
RCB vs GT Match Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs GT, Qualifier 1 |
| Date | May 26, 2026 |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 7:00 PM IST |
Live Streaming Details
The RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
