King vs Prince: Kohli-Gill Headline the IPL 2026 Final
Both the teams have 1 trophy each to their names and will be eyeing their second IPL title on Sunday
The Indian Premier League 2026 is down to its finale, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 31st of May. The final showdown is between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and IPL 2022 season winner Gujarat Titans. Both the teams have 1 trophy each to their names and will be eyeing their second IPL title on Sunday.
Head-to-head record
The rivalry between RCB and GT has been quite balanced over the years. Since GT’s debut season 2022, both the teams have-had 9 meetings so far, RCB has won 5 games while GT has won 4. RCB’s highest team total against GT stands at 254, while their lowest score is 155. On the other hand, GT have recorded a highest score of 205 against RCB, whereas their lowest total is 147. With such exciting scoring trends, clashes between these two teams continue to be highly anticipated by fans.
Win Probability
RCB: 46% chances of winning
GT: 54% chances of winning, since the final game is at their home ground.
Players to look out for
Virat Kohli – The Big Match King
Playoffs and pressure games usually bring out the best in Kohli. With his experience, intent in the power-play and ability to anchor difficult chases, he could once again become RCB’s biggest weapon tonight. Ahmedabad's batting-friendly conditions are expected to suit his style perfectly.
Shubman Gill – GT’s Calm Commander
Gill has led from the front throughout the season and remains the backbone of Gujarat’s batting lineup. His ability to pace an inning and accelerate late makes him one of the most dangerous players in knockout cricket.
Sai Sudharsan – GT’s Silent Run Machine
Sai Sudharsan has been among the most consistent batsmen of the tournament, scoring heavily at the top order while maintaining composure under pressure. On a surface where timing matters, he could be the difference maker.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – RCB’s Power-play X-Factor
Bhuvneshwar’s new-ball swing and control in the death overs have played a massive role in RCB’s campaign this season. If he dismisses GT’s top order early, the game could tilt heavily in Bengaluru’s favor.
Krunal Pandya - RCB’s most dependable all-rounder this season
A vital clog in RCB’s campaign this season, Krunal has contributed with both the bat and the ball whenever needed. He has crossed 100 IPL wickets this season and has delivered crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. His ability to stabilize the innings, finish games, and control the run flow makes him one of RCB’s key players heading into the finals against GT.
Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to offer a batting-friendly surface for the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT. The pitch generally provides good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots freely, while the quick outfield further favors stroke-makers. Scores above 190 have been common on this ground.
Pacers could also get some movement with the new ball early on, but as the match progresses, batting becomes easier. Spinners may find some grip in the middle overs, though dew in the second innings could reduce their impact and make chasing slightly easier. In short, the field doesn’t offer help to bowlers as much as batters.
A high scoring contest is on the cards, with teams likely preferring to bowl first if dew becomes a factor. Viewers can expect plenty of runs and a batting-friendly final in Ahmedabad.
This article is written by Divya Sharma, a student of Kristu Jayanti Deemed to be University, interning with Deccan Chronicle.
