Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, May 31: A sea of red engulfed the Narendra Modi Stadium hours before the IPL 2026 final as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepared to face Gujarat Titans in a blockbuster title clash on Sunday.
Long before the first ball, chants of "RCB, RCB" echoed around the stadium as thousands of supporters flocked to the venue wearing jerseys bearing the name of star batter Virat Kohli. The atmosphere reflected the transformation of RCB from perennial underachievers to defending champions following their maiden title triumph in 2025.
While fans celebrated outside, RCB captain Rajat Patidar remained focused on the task ahead, insisting that last season's success would have no bearing on the final.
"Last year we did it, but again it's a new season. We are not here to defend anything with the mindset of defending champions. We have an opportunity to win one more title," Patidar said.
RCB enter the final as favourites after a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 and have enjoyed a relatively smooth build-up to the summit clash.
In contrast, Gujarat Titans endured a hectic schedule after their Qualifier 2 win over Rajasthan Royals. Adverse weather delayed their departure from Chandigarh, with the team arriving in Ahmedabad less than 24 hours before the final.
Despite the logistical challenges, Titans captain Shubman Gill will draw confidence from his outstanding record at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where he has amassed nearly 1,500 T20 runs at an average of 53. Gill also enters the final on the back of a match-winning century in Qualifier 2.
The contest also presents a significant milestone opportunity for Patidar, who could join MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only captains to successfully defend an IPL title.
One of the key battles is expected to unfold between the two pace attacks. Gujarat's bowling unit, led by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, will face RCB's experienced duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Rabada, with 28 wickets this season, and Bhuvneshwar, with 26, remain strong contenders for the Purple Cap heading into the final.
Much of RCB's hopes will once again rest on Kohli, who has enjoyed tremendous success against Gujarat Titans. The veteran batter has scored 503 runs against the franchise at an average of 71.
Historically, there has been little to separate the two teams. In nine IPL meetings, RCB have won five matches while Gujarat Titans have emerged victorious four times. This season, however, RCB hold a 2-1 advantage, including a commanding 92-run victory in Qualifier 1.
The final will be played on Pitch No. 6 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the same surface used when Gujarat defeated RCB earlier in the league stage. Ground staff have worked extensively on the wicket, and conditions are expected to favour batting more than during that previous encounter.
With Ahmedabad continuing to experience intense heat, dew is unlikely to play a major role. Teams batting first have won four of the seven matches played at the venue this season.
Both teams have reported no major injury concerns. While RCB opener Phil Salt travelled with the squad, he did not train on the eve of the final and is unlikely to feature due to a finger injury.
As one of the most anticipated IPL finals in recent years approaches, RCB will seek to cement their place among the league's elite by winning a second consecutive title, while Gujarat Titans aim to overcome the odds and reclaim the championship on home soil.