IPL 2026: RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 – Who will be Impact Players for today’s match?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to reach back-to-back finals, but they will face an in-form Gujarat Titans (GT) side in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday, May 26.

Rajat Patidar’s RCB finished top of the table after winning nine games and losing five and having a better net run rate than the Shubman Gill-led GT, who had an identical win-loss record.

Talking about recent form, RCB have won three out of their last six matches. On the other hand, GT have only one defeat in their last six games. Fans can expect a humdinger of a contest between two of the best teams this season.

Predicted Impact Players for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):

Tim David: Tim David could be RCB’s Impact Player if they are batting second. He has had another fabulous season, scoring 277 runs in 13 innings at an average of 39.57 and a strike rate of 197.86.

Jordan Cox: He is yet to make his debut in the Indian Premier League. However, he has been actively involved with the squad and has been throwing his body around in the field to stop runs. His commitment is wonderful to see.

Abhinandan Singh: He featured for RCB during the early phase of the season but has since fallen out of the playing XI. The pacer managed to take three wickets, but his economy rate was a disappointing 12.62.

Swapnil Singh: He is still awaiting his maiden appearance of the season. Despite not getting an opportunity in 2026 so far, the left-arm spinner brings prior IPL experience, having played 14 matches in his career. He is the backup of Krunal Pandya but doesn’t bring the same firepower with the bat.

Kaniskh Chouhan: He is another player yet to feature this season. The young right-arm spinner might not get a game this season but the experience of being around the RCB setup would help him in his future endeavours.

Predicted Impact Players for Gujarat Titans (GT):

Prasidh Krishna: During the first half of the season, it seemed that Prasidh Krishna would retain the Purple Cap, but he missed a few matches midway through the season, which allowed others to take a considerable lead in the wicket-takers’ list. The right-arm seamer has 14 scalps from nine games.

Kulwant Khejroliya: The 34-year-old left-arm seamer has been a part of the Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the past. However, he hasn’t been able to break into the GT side which has several in-form pacers in the ranks.

Anuj Rawat: Anuj Rawat is a hard-hitting wicketkeeper-batter who has played 24 IPL games so far in his career. However, he is yet to feature in any game this season.

Glenn Phillips: Glenn Phillips lost his place to Jason Holder in the playing XI midway through the series, but his remarkable fielding skills earns him a place among the substitutes. In five innings, Phillips scored just 57 runs at an average of 16.75.

Kumar Kushagra: The promising wicketkeeper-batter played just one game in the season when Shubman Gill was on the bench. He scored 18 runs off 14 balls.

Expert Opinion and Final Prediction

• Home Advantage: As this is a neutral venue, no team will have the home advantage. However, it is important to note that RCB have played one game in Dharamsala this season, which they won by 23 runs against the Punjab Kings.
• Recent Form: RCB have a 3-2 win record against GT in their last five meetings in the IPL, but the Titans’ recent form is better than the defending champions
• Balanced Side: Both teams have very balanced sides, which is why they finished in the top two. However, RCB will have the edge on a flat track as they have several batters in form and capable of clearing boundaries with ease.
• Prediction: With these factors in mind, expect a close game but RCB could eventually come up trumps.