IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans Predicted XI

The Indian Premier League 2026 has reached its business end, and fans are set for a blockbuster clash as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the picturesque HPCA Stadium on May 26. Both teams finished the league stage with identical records of nine wins and five defeats, but RCB secured the top spot courtesy of a superior net run rate. With a direct ticket to the final at stake, this contest promises to be one of the most intense encounters of the season.

Here are the predicted XI for Qualifier 1:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru predicted XI:

Top order: Venkatesh Iyer/Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal

The defending champions have found contributions throughout the order, but once again, the spotlight will firmly remain on Virat Kohli. The veteran opener has reinvented his approach this season, attacking from the outset and maintaining a strike rate above 160. With 557 runs already this season, Kohli has been the backbone of Bengaluru’s batting lineup and will be expected to deliver another big performance in a pressure game.

The big selection question for RCB remains the opening combination. If Phil Salt is fit, he is likely to partner Kohli at the top. However, Venkatesh Iyer impressed in his recent opportunity with a blazing 44 off just 19 balls and could retain his place. Devdutt Padikkal has also enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, scoring over 430 runs at an exceptional strike rate.

Middle order: Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David (Impact), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya

The middle order has been equally effective. Captain Rajat Patidar has led from the front, scoring nearly 400 runs while maintaining a fearless strike rate. Jitesh Sharma has contributed behind the stumps, while Tim David has emerged as one of the best finishers this season. His strike rate close to 200 has often allowed RCB to finish innings strongly. The all-round abilities of Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya further strengthen the side.

Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar

RCB’s bowling attack has also been among the most dangerous in the competition. Veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been sensational with the new ball, leading the wicket charts with 24 scalps. His ability to strike in the powerplay could prove decisive against Gujarat’s explosive top order. Josh Hazlewood, despite returning from injury setbacks, remains a major threat with his accuracy and bounce. Young spinner Suyash Sharma and pacer Rasikh Salam Dar complete a balanced bowling lineup.

RCB’s predicted XI for Qualifier 1:

Venkatesh Iyer/Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar

Impact Player: Tim David

Gujarat Titans predicted XI:

Top order: Shubman Gill (C), B Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (WK)

On the other hand, Gujarat Titans possess perhaps the most dangerous top order in the tournament. Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have dominated attacks throughout the season and are both in contention for the Orange Cap. Sudharsan currently leads the charts with 638 runs, while Gill is close behind with 616. Their consistency at the top has been the foundation of Gujarat’s campaign. Adding further firepower is Jos Buttler, who has rediscovered his best form this season. Buttler’s aggressive batting can put opposition bowlers under immediate pressure.

Middle order: Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder

Gujarat’s middle order has looked slightly less settled, though Washington Sundar has played several crucial innings. Jason Holder has also made a strong impact since joining the playing XI midway through the tournament.

Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna (Impact), Mohammed Siraj

The Titans’ bowling attack is equally formidable. Kagiso Rabada has matched Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 24 wickets this season and remains Gujarat’s strike bowler. Mohammed Siraj has delivered consistently with the new ball, while Rashid Khan appears back to his best after a difficult previous season. Impact Player Prasidh Krishna adds even more pace and wicket-taking ability to the attack.

GT’s predicted XI for Qualifier 1:

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj.

Impact Player: Prasidh Krishna

FAQs

When and where will RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 be played?

The match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will be played at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala on May 26, 2026.

What could be a winning score at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala?

The conditions in Dharamsala are expected to favour batting, with the venue often producing high-scoring encounters. A first-innings total in the range of 220-230 could be considered competitive. Both sides have explosive batting lineups capable of chasing big scores, making bowling execution under pressure extremely important.

Who are the key players to watch in this match?

For RCB, Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be crucial. For GT, players like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Kagiso Rabada will be key to their chances.