Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to face Gujarat Titans (GT) in the grand finale of IPL 2026 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With both teams finishing in the top two during the league stage, the stage is perfectly set for a blockbuster encounter as they battle for their second IPL title.
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes there is little to separate the two sides and described the contest as a “straight 50-50” affair. RCB have looked dominant throughout the tournament and carry strong momentum into the final.
The Bengaluru-based franchise had earlier crushed GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1, posting a massive 264 before bowling out the Titans for 164. However, Gujarat responded emphatically in Qualifier 2, where captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a magnificent 104, helping his side chase down 215 against Rajasthan Royals with seven wickets in hand and nine balls to spare.
Speaking on Cricbuzz’s preview show ahead of the final, Sehwag lauded RCB’s performances this season but refused to label them outright favourites.
“The kind of cricket that RCB are playing, and have been playing, has been quite exceptional. According to me, it is a straight 50-50,” Sehwag said on the show.
While Gujarat Titans have enjoyed an impressive record at their home venue this season, winning five of their seven league-stage matches in Ahmedabad, Sehwag pointed out that the home advantage may not carry much weight in the final.
Unlike regular league matches, the pitch for the IPL final will be prepared under the supervision of BCCI-appointed curators, ensuring neutral conditions for both teams.
“This is GT’s home ground, but because it’s a final, they can’t make any pitch that they want, so they won’t get that advantage. Since it’s a final, it will be the BCCI that will prepare the wicket, so it’s a level playing field.”
The former India batter also stressed that Gujarat must replicate the intensity and execution they displayed against Rajasthan Royals if they are to overcome an RCB side that has excelled in all departments this season.
“GT will have to play the kind of cricket they did in Qualifier 2 to get the better of RCB in the final,” he added.
Both franchises have memorable history at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Titans lifted their maiden IPL trophy at the venue in 2022 after defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final during their debut season. RCB, meanwhile, secured their long-awaited first IPL title at the same ground last year with a victory over Punjab Kings.
Having enjoyed a longer break following their Qualifier 1 triumph and carrying the confidence of defending champions, RCB may hold a slight psychological edge heading into the summit clash. However, with GT arriving on the back of a commanding performance in Qualifier 2, they will enter this contest with confidence.
