IPL 2026: RCB vs GT, Match 34 – Top player battles to watch out for

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 34 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, April 24.

Both teams head into this clash with contrasting momentum this season. RCB have enjoyed a strong run so far, securing four wins from their six matches and currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table. Led by Rajat Patidar, the side has looked well-rounded, with Virat Kohli anchoring the batting and contributions coming from power-hitters like Phil Salt and Tim David.

GT, on the other hand, have had an inconsistent campaign, managing three wins in six games. The Titans are coming off a heavy defeat in their previous outing and will be eager to bounce back quickly. 

With Chinnaswamy known for its batting-friendly conditions, RCB’s explosive lineup will look to capitalise on home advantage. However, GT possesses the firepower to challenge them, especially if their bowling attack finds rhythm.

Here are 3 player battles for RCB vs GT, Match 34 of IPL 2026:

3. Phil Salt vs Kagiso Rabada 

In yet another blockbuster powerplay contest, Phil Salt will go up against Kagiso Rabada at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Phil Salt remains RCB’s aggressor at the top, with his attacking batting. But Kagiso Rabada has the capacity to dismiss any batter, especially with the new ball. His outswinger can trouble the English opener.

They have faced each other six times in T20s, in which Salt has smashed Rabada for 47 runs in just 25 balls, while getting dismissed twice. 

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill will go head-to-head against RCB’s new ball maestro Bhuvneshwar Kumar in a mouth watering contest. The GT skipper is in stunning form this season, scoring 265 runs. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar too, has picked up 10 wickets.

This will be a cracking contest in the powerplay overs. In 11 innings against the RCB pacer, Gill has scored 66 runs in 64 balls, whilst getting dismissed four times. The stats indicate Bhuvneshwar’s dominance, but Gill would want to change that.

1. Rajat Patidar vs Rashid Khan 

RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar is known for his attacking game against spinners, but he will be up against the wizardry of Rashid Khan this time. Patidar has been sensational this season, scoring runs at a stunning strike-rate of 212.96. But an in-form Rashid Khan is not an easy bowler to target. 

They only faced each other once so far in T20s in which Patidar has scored 12 runs in eight balls without getting dismissed. This middle-overs match-up can decide the outcome of the match.