Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into their second consecutive IPL final with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on Tuesday. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, propelling RCB to a massive 254 for five after they were asked to bat first.
Patidar's innings was a masterclass in power-hitting, featuring nine sixes and five fours. He completely transformed the game in the final overs after surviving two dropped catches earlier in his knock. RCB amassed 114 runs in the last six overs, including 86 runs in the final five, leaving Gujarat Titans with an uphill task in their chase.
The innings began aggressively as Venkatesh Iyer took on Mohammed Siraj in the first over, smashing three boundaries. He made 19 before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada. Virat Kohli then forged a partnership with Devdutt Padikkal, maintaining a high scoring rate. Kohli scored 43 while Padikkal added 30 as RCB reached 76 for one in the powerplay.
Gujarat Titans managed to slow the scoring rate in the middle overs. Jason Holder removed both Kohli and Padikkal in a single over, while Rashid Khan bowled economically. However, the match turned decisively in the 14th over. Patidar, who had been dropped twice by GT fielders off Prasidh Krishna, capitalized on those reprieves. Left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya conceded 28 runs in that over, which included misfields, two no-balls, and a wide.
Patidar took apart both Khejroliya and Rashid Khan in the death overs, while Krunal Pandya provided valuable support with 43 runs during a 95-run partnership. Patidar brought up his fifty with a six off Rabada and continued his assault until the final over.
Chasing 255, Gujarat Titans needed a strong start but lost early wickets. Sai Sudharsan was dismissed in bizarre fashion when his bat slipped from his hands while facing Jacob Duffy and crashed into the stumps, having made 14. Captain Shubman Gill fell soon after for just two, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The experienced pacer finished with two wickets and moved to the top of the Purple Cap standings with 26 wickets.
Josh Hazlewood dismissed Jos Buttler for 29, while Rasikh Salam removed Nishant Sandhu and Holder in the same over, leaving GT struggling at 51 for five inside the powerplay. Rahul Tewatia fought valiantly with 68 runs, but the target proved too steep. Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162.
This victory took RCB into their fifth IPL final, following previous appearances in 2009, 2011, 2016, and 2025. Gujarat Titans will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 for a spot in the final.
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