The summit clash of IPL 2026 is finally upon us, as after 64 days of exhilarating cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on Sunday, May 31, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The defending champions, RCB, have been lying in wait after beating the Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 25 by a dominant 92 runs. Skipper Rajat Patidar scored a brilliant unbeaten 33-ball 93 with contributions from other batters as they reached a total of 254 for 5 in their 20 overs. They bowled the Titans out for 162 with the bowlers hipping in with wickets.
The Titans beat the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh. Skipper Shubman Gill scored a magnificent century as they chased down 215 with relative ease after they restricted the Royals to 214 despite a brilliant 96 from starlet Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: Pitch report
The Narendra Modi Stadium is possibly the most imposing venue in the country due to its sheer size, and the atmosphere is expected to be even more electric due to the magnitude of the clash. The pitch at the venue is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. The wicket is conducive to hit-the-deck bowling and offers lateral movement off the surface and in the air. Spinners tend to get significant grip and turn. The boundaries are relatively larger, but the rapid outfield also encourages batters to score freely.
IPL Stats and Records at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
| Matches Played | 51 |
| Matches Won Batting First | 26 |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 25 |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 23 |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 28 |
| Matches With No Result | 0 |
| Highest Team Total | 243/5 – PBKS |
| Lowest Team Total | 89 – GT |
| Average First Innings Total | 178 |
| Highest Total Successfully Chased | 204/3 – GT |
GT vs RCB Strategies and Match-ups
The two teams have met thrice in IPL 2026. This will be their fourth meeting of the season and the second at this venue. The last time the two teams met in Ahmedabad, the Titans emerged victorious, bowling out RCB for a meagre 155, and chasing it down with relative ease despite losing six wickets. Jason Hodler was the star of the show with figures of 2 for 29 in a brilliant display of hit-the-deck bowling. This is also the fourth IPL final in the last five years to be held at this venue, and the third that the Titans will be playing.
Despite this, RCB would take confidence into this clash being the defending champions, and having beaten the Titans twice in IPL 2026. They also hold a marginal 5-4 lead against the Titans in matches they have met in the IPL. This is their fifth IPL final and second in succession, and it is a testament to how dominant they have been across 2025 and 2026. Â
