The group stage of IPL 2026 has concluded, and the playoffs are set to begin with a thrilling encounter. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday. Both teams finished the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches, but RCB secured the top spot due to a superior net run rate.
Key Players to Watch
Virat Kohli (RCB)
Matches: 14 | Runs: 557 | Average: 50.63 | Strike Rate: 163.82
Virat Kohli remains the cornerstone of RCB, having led the franchise to its maiden IPL title last year after an 18-year wait. His emotional celebration after the victory reflected his deep connection with the team. In IPL 2026, Kohli has been in stellar form, scoring 557 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.63 and a strike rate of 163.82, including one century and four half-centuries. Qualifier 1 could witness another special knock from the veteran batter.
Shubman Gill (GT)
Matches: 13 | Runs: 616 | Average: 47.38 | Strike Rate: 161.67
Shubman Gill has led Gujarat Titans from the front, silencing critics with his sensational T20 batting. As the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 616 runs in 13 matches at an average of 47.38 and a strike rate of 161.67, including six half-centuries, Gill will be the key man for GT in Qualifier 1.
Krunal Pandya (RCB)
Matches: 14 | Runs: 182 | Average: 45.50 | Strike Rate: 145.60 | Wickets: 11
Krunal Pandya has been RCB's crisis man, rescuing the team with crucial runs and controlling the flow with his clever bowling. His match-saving 73 off 46 balls against Mumbai Indians, despite severe cramps, highlighted his determination. With 182 runs and 11 wickets this season, he remains a vital all-rounder.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB)
Matches: 14 | Wickets: 24 | Economy: 8.07 | Best: 4/23
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the Purple Cap holder, has been lethal in the Powerplay, leading RCB's bowling attack with 24 wickets in 14 matches. His best figures of 4/23 demonstrate his ability to provide early breakthroughs, and he will be expected to rattle GT's batting lineup.
Rashid Khan (GT)
Matches: 14 | Wickets: 19 | Economy: 8.71 | Best: 4/33
Rashid Khan's experience and ability to choke runs make him Shubman Gill's go-to bowler in the knockout clash. With 19 wickets in 14 matches at an economy of 8.71, the Afghan spinner can outfox batters even on difficult days.
Jason Holder (GT)
Matches: 8 | Runs: 58 | Wickets: 13
Jason Holder has made a strong impact for GT in IPL 2026, excelling in the middle overs. His Player of the Match performance of 4/24 against Punjab Kings, which included the wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis, showcased his bowling prowess. With 13 wickets and 58 runs in eight matches, Holder will play a crucial role in Qualifier 1.
Stay updated with the upcoming IPL match between RCB and GT and the latest IPL news. Follow the IPL schedule and track the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
