Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS

After two months of thrilling action, the IPL 2026 season has come down to one final showdown. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are set to battle for the title in the grand finale on Sunday, May 31, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

RCB finished the league stage at the top of the points table and then delivered a statement performance in Qualifier 1, crushing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs. Earlier this year, in February, Smriti Mandhana’s RCB side lifted their second Women’s Premier League title. Nearly four months later, Rajat Patidar has the opportunity to add another trophy to the franchise’s cabinet by leading RCB to a second IPL crown.

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The Titans, meanwhile, endured their share of highs and lows before securing a top-two finish. However, Qualifier 1 proved to be a forgettable outing for them in Dharamsala. Chasing a daunting target of 255, Gujarat crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

As the two teams prepare for the title clash, there is plenty to look forward to. Both sides won one game each against the other during the league stage before RCB came out on top in Qualifier 1. With the trophy now within touching distance, the stage is set for a blockbuster finale. The only question that remains is: who will have the final laugh on Sunday?

IPL 2026 Final Stat Pack: Numbers that could define GT vs RCB

  • 3-1 – RCB’s finals story has been one of redemption. After suffering defeats in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 finals, they finally broke the jinx by lifting their maiden IPL title in 2025.

  • 1-1 – GT have a balanced record in IPL finals. They won the trophy in their debut season in 2022 under Hardik Pandya but fell agonisingly short against Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 final.

  • 139 – Virat Kohli’s IPL final numbers are surprisingly modest. The RCB icon has scored 139 runs in four finals at an average of 34.75 and a strike-rate of 126.36, with scores of 7, 35, 54 and 43.

  • 4-5 – There is little to separate GT and RCB in head-to-head meetings. Bengaluru hold a narrow 5-4 edge overall. In Ahmedabad, RCB have won two of the three encounters between the sides.

  • 181 – Runs have been on offer at the Narendra Modi Stadium this season. Across seven matches, the average score is 181, with teams batting first averaging 187 compared to 173 for teams chasing. Hence, winning the toss and batting first seems to be the wise choice for now.

  • 77-20 – Pace has overwhelmingly outperformed spin in Ahmedabad. Fast bowlers have claimed 77 wickets this season, while spinners have managed only 20, highlighting the importance of quality seam bowling in the final. Rashid Khan has taken nine of those 20 wickets.

  • 9 – Rashid Khan’s record in T20 tournament finals is an unexpected concern for GT. The Afghan leg-spinner has picked up just nine wickets in 10 T20 finals at an economy rate of 6.48.

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    10 – Josh Hazlewood has built a reputation as a big-match performer. In five T20 finals, the Australian speedster has taken 10 wickets at an economy of 7.31, including one three-wicket haul.

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Published By:

Amar Panicker

Published On:

May 31, 2026 11:38 IST

SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA

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