In the high-stakes Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Shubman Gill won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The decision to chase under lights was a strategic move, considering the dew factor that often influences night games in the tournament.
GT's Playing XI Change
Gujarat Titans made a solitary change to their playing eleven, with left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya replacing Arshad Khan. This marks Khejroliya's first appearance in the season, and his inclusion is expected to bolster the bowling attack with his variations and ability to pick wickets in the middle overs. The rest of the lineup remained unchanged, featuring key players like Shubman Gill, David Miller, and Rashid Khan.
RCB's Unchanged Lineup
Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Rajat Patidar, opted to field the same eleven that performed strongly in the league stage. The batting lineup, anchored by Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, will look to set a challenging total. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga, aims to exploit any early movement.
The match is crucial as the winner secures a direct spot in the final, while the loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2. Both teams have shown consistent form throughout the season, making this encounter a thrilling contest for cricket fans worldwide.
