The IPL 2026 final brings together defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in a blockbuster title clash at Ahmedabad. Both teams have already secured 18 points this season and now stand one win away from lifting their second IPL trophy.
Match details
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
Date: Sunday, May 31, 2026
Time: 7:30 PM IST, 7:00 PM PST, 2:00 PM GMT
Team overviews
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have enjoyed another outstanding campaign and enter the final with confidence after a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB have displayed consistency with both bat and ball throughout the tournament.
The Bengaluru side boasts a balanced lineup featuring experienced campaigners and proven match-winners. Virat Kohli continues to provide stability at the top, while Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Krunal Pandya strengthen the middle order. Their bowling unit has been particularly impressive, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood delivering crucial breakthroughs in pressure situations.
As defending champions, RCB have the opportunity to secure back-to-back IPL titles and establish themselves among the tournament’s elite teams.
Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans have shown remarkable resilience this season. After suffering a heavy defeat in Qualifier 1, the Titans bounced back strongly by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to book their place in the final.
Captain Shubman Gill has led from the front with consistent performances, while Sai Sudharsan and Jos Buttler have formed one of the most reliable top orders in the competition. Gujarat’s bowling attack, featuring Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, remains one of the strongest in the league.
Playing the final on their home ground gives GT an added advantage as they look to capture their second IPL crown.
Head-to-head record
The rivalry between the two franchises has been closely contested.
Matches RCB Wins GT Wins Tie/NR
9 5 4 0
RCB won the most recent meeting in Qualifier 1, defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to secure a direct place in the final.
Pitch report
The surface at Narendra Modi Stadium is expected to favour batters. The red-soil wicket generally offers true bounce and consistent pace, allowing stroke-makers to play freely throughout the innings.
Teams batting first often target scores above 210, especially in high-profile matches. While totals beyond 200 remain chaseable at this venue, scoreboard pressure in a final can significantly influence the outcome. Fast bowlers may find some assistance with the new ball, but conditions are expected to become increasingly favourable for batting as the match progresses.
Key players
Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill heads into the final after a match-winning century in Qualifier 2. The Gujarat Titans captain has delivered consistently throughout IPL 2026 and has developed a reputation for performing under pressure in playoff matches.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli remains one of the biggest names in T20 cricket. His experience and ability to anchor an innings could prove invaluable in a high-pressure final.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been one of RCB’s standout performers this season. The experienced pacer has claimed 26 wickets in 15 matches and continues to provide control with both the new ball and at the death.
Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada remains Gujarat’s strike bowler. His ability to dismiss key batters early could play a decisive role in the final.
Probable playing XIs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Probable XI
Venkatesh Iyer
Virat Kohli
Devdutt Padikkal
Rajat Patidar (captain)
Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper)
Tim David
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Jacob Duffy
Josh Hazlewood
Rasikh Salam Dar
Impact Player: Romario Shepherd or Phil Salt
Gujarat Titans Probable XI
Sai Sudharsan
Shubman Gill (captain)
Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper)
Nishant Sindhu
Washington Sundar
Jason Holder
Rashid Khan
R Sai Kishore
Kagiso Rabada
Prasidh Krishna
Mohammed Siraj
Impact Player: Rahul Tewatia
Probable match scenarios
If RCB bat first, their powerful batting lineup has the capability to post a score above 220. Their bowling attack successfully dismantled Gujarat in Qualifier 1 and will aim to repeat that performance.
For Gujarat Titans, early contributions from Gill, Sudharsan, and Buttler will be vital. The Titans cannot afford a slow start against RCB’s disciplined pace attack. The contest between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shubman Gill during the powerplay could shape the outcome of the match.
The team batting first may enjoy a slight advantage, especially if scoreboard pressure comes into play during the chase.
Live streaming and broadcast
India
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar app and website
Pakistan
TV Broadcast: Tapmad TV and regional broadcasters carrying IPL coverage
Live Streaming: Tapmad app and website
United Kingdom
TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
Live Streaming: Sky Go and NOW
Australia
TV Broadcast: Fox Cricket
Live Streaming: Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go
Global viewers
The match will be available through official IPL broadcast partners and licensed digital streaming platforms in respective regions.
Match prediction
The final appears evenly balanced, with both teams possessing match-winners across departments. Gujarat Titans have the advantage of playing at their home venue and enter the match with momentum after their Qualifier 2 victory. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru already defeated GT convincingly in Qualifier 1 and arrive with extra rest and preparation time.
RCB’s balanced bowling attack and recent dominance over Gujarat give them a slight edge, but the presence of Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Rashid Khan ensures that Gujarat Titans remain a major threat. A closely contested final is expected, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru starting as marginal favourites.
