RCB in the final for the fourth time, record total, crushed Gujarat with killer bowling.
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Royal Challengers Bangalore team defeated Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier of the Indian Premier League 2026 and made it to the finals for the second consecutive time. On the basis of captain Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten inning of 93 runs, RCB scored the highest score in the history of the tournament in the playoffs. Gujarat team was reduced to 162 runs in front of the target of 254 runs for 5 wickets.
RCB defeated Gujarat and made place in IPL 2026 final
New Delhi. Royal Challengers Bangalore made the first playoff of the Indian Premier League 2026 one-sided with their explosive game. Captain Rajat Patidar came out of trouble and played a big innings in this big match. On the basis of his unbeaten inning of 93 runs, RCB made a mountain-like score of 254 runs for 5 wickets against Gujarat Titans. This is the biggest score made by any team in the playoffs in the history of the tournament. While chasing the target, Shubman Gill’s team was limited to 162 runs. With this victory, RCB reached the IPL final for the second consecutive time.
In the match played in Dharamshala, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill won the toss and decided to bowl first. Venkatesh Iyer gave a stormy start for RCB but was out early. After this, Virat Kohli along with Devdutt Padikkal accelerated the innings and took the score forward. Jason Helder changed the course of the match by dismissing both the batsmen in the same over. Captain Rajat Patidar stepped on the field and took charge of the innings. He was able to score only 14 runs on the first 10 balls.
Rajat Patidar’s innings changed the game
After early wickets falling, Rajat Patidar along with Krunal Pandya took the score forward. After this he changed his gear and hit fours and sixes. He completed his fifty in 21 balls in which he hit 5 sixes and 3 fours. Captain Patidar, who scored 14 runs on the first 10 balls of the innings, played an inning of 93 runs on 33 balls. He hit 9 sixes and also hit 5 fours in his account. This innings took RCB to a record breaking score of 254 runs. In this match, RCB broke Gujarat Titans’ record of 233 runs for 3 wickets made against Mumbai Indians in 2023.
Gujarat’s batting was devastated
The Gujarat team, which was chasing the biggest score in the playoff history, completely disintegrated in front of the RCB bowling. When the team’s score was 17 runs, opener Sai Sudarshan unfortunately returned after being hit wicket. His shot went for a four but the bat left his hand and hit the stump. Shubhman Gill was bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar after scoring just 2 runs. Jos Buttler showed good hands but he too fell victim to Jos Hazlewood after scoring 29 runs.
Rasik’s over became the turning point
Rasik Salam, who came in the sixth over of the innings, changed the course of the match by taking two wickets. On the first ball, this bowler sent Nishant Sindhu back by taking a catch on his own ball. After this, on the fourth ball, he got a dangerous player like Jason Holder caught by Hazlewood. From here the match changed completely, Gujarat’s score became 5 wickets for 51 runs.
RCB in IPL final for the fourth time
Royal Challengers Bangalore team defeated Gujarat in Qualifier 1 and secured a place in the IPL final for the fourth time. The team first entered the finals in 2009. After this, again in 2011, RCB came close to winning the trophy. In 2016, the team was successful in reaching the finals for the third time. In 2025, RCB finally reached the final and became champion.
About the Author
Viplav Kumar is working with News18 since 2022. The special responsibility of ensuring that the day starts well for the readers rests on their shoulders. Coming to the morning shift, from the interesting incident that happened the previous day to the activities going on throughout the day…read more
