A Stumble for Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1
The Gujarat Titans (GT) might feel fortunate to have secured a spot in the top two after their performance in Qualifier 1 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Dharamsala. RCB, once again, has made it to the final in 2026, having delivered a dominant 92-run victory over GT.
RCB put up an impressive total of 254 runs for the loss of just five wickets. Captain Rajat Patidar was instrumental in this effort, coming very close to scoring a well-earned century. His performance was supported by Virat Kohli, who contributed significantly, and later by Krunal Pandya and Jitesh Sharma towards the end of the innings.
The RCB bowlers had a field day, leaving GT’s batting lineup in disarray. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm,” and this was evident in Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal, which highlighted the confusion among GT’s players.
It is now clear that GT’s middle order hasn’t been tested adequately. Today, they lost five wickets within the powerplay, forcing them to fight for pride, albeit with the comfort of another chance. The match concluded when Tim David took a stunning catch to dismiss the last man, Mohammed Siraj, with five balls remaining.
RCB’s Batting Masterclass
Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a remarkable batting display, scoring 254/5 in 20 overs at a run rate of 12.70. Captain Rajat Patidar remained unbeaten on 93 from 33 deliveries, hitting five fours and nine sixes with a strike rate of 281.81. Virat Kohli added 43 off 25 balls, including five boundaries and a six, while Krunal Pandya matched his score from 28 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.
Devdutt Padikkal chipped in with 30 off 19 balls, and Venkatesh Iyer provided an explosive 19 off seven deliveries. Jitesh Sharma remained unbeaten on 15 from five deliveries.
Jason Holder took 2/39, and Kagiso Rabada finished with 2/54.
GT’s Struggles Despite Tewatia’s Effort
Chasing a daunting target of 255, Gujarat Titans started poorly and were reduced to 51/5 within 5.4 overs. Sai Sudharsan scored 14 before being dismissed via a hit wicket, while Shubman Gill managed only two runs and Jos Buttler scored 29 off 11 balls. Rahul Tewatia attempted to salvage the innings with a fighting 68 from 43 balls, including eight fours and four sixes.
However, wickets continued to fall around him as GT were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. Jacob Duffy claimed 3/39, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya each took two wickets.
