New Delhi: As Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up for the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed the defending champions, stating that the title is theirs to lose.
RCB on the Verge of History
RCB are on the brink of a historic achievement. After securing their maiden IPL trophy last season, they now have a chance to become only the third team in tournament history to successfully defend the title. Standing in their way are the Gujarat Titans, who are aiming for their second IPL crown after winning in 2022.
Dominant Season for RCB
RCB have been the most complete side this season. Under Rajat Patidar's leadership, they topped the league standings and delivered a commanding performance in Qualifier 1, crushing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to earn a direct spot in the final.
The two teams will meet again in Ahmedabad, where Gujarat have enjoyed considerable success throughout the campaign. Despite that home advantage, Ashwin believes RCB's consistent performances have earned them the favourite status.
Ashwin's Analysis
“The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they’ve dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that’s really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final,” Ashwin told Jio Hotstar. “For RCB, it doesn’t matter whether they bat or bowl first; it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favourites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season,” he added.
Gujarat Titans responded strongly to their Qualifier 1 setback by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to book their place in the title clash. Led by Shubman Gill, they have been among the standout teams of the season and will have the backing of a home crowd in Ahmedabad.
Contrasting Styles
Ashwin highlighted the contrasting approaches of the finalists and suggested that RCB's fearless brand of cricket could prove decisive. “The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season,” he said.
While he acknowledged Gujarat's strength at home, Ashwin feels that familiarity with local conditions is the only factor preventing RCB from being overwhelming favourites. “GT’s home ground and their familiarity with those conditions is the only last piece of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title,” he said.
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