defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the grand finale of IPL 2026 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With both teams finishing in the top two during the league stage, the stage is all set for a blockbuster encounter as they battle for their second IPL title.
Ahead of the much-awaited clash, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag believes there is nothing to separate the two sides and described the encounter as a “straight 50-50” affair. RCB have been dominant throughout the tournament and have maintained their strong form in the final.
The Bengaluru-based franchise had earlier defeated GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 and posted a mammoth total of 264 runs before bowling out the Titans for 164 runs. However, Gujarat responded strongly in Qualifier 2, where captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a brilliant 104, helping his team chase down the target of 215 against Rajasthan Royals with seven wickets and nine balls to spare.
Speaking on Cricbuzz's preview show before the final, Sehwag lauded RCB's performance this season but refused to label them outright favourites.
“The kind of cricket that RCB is playing, and has been playing, is quite extraordinary. According to me, it is straight 50-50,” Sehwag said on the show.
While Gujarat Titans have enjoyed an impressive record on their home ground this season, winning five of their seven league-stage matches in Ahmedabad, Sehwag pointed out that home advantage may not matter much in the final.
Unlike regular league matches, the pitch for the IPL final will be prepared under the supervision of a BCCI-appointed curator, ensuring neutral conditions for both teams.
“It is GT's home ground, but because it is the final, they cannot make any pitch they want, so they will not get that advantage. Since it is the final, it will be the BCCI who will prepare the wickets, so it is a level playing field.”
The former India batsman also stressed that Gujarat will have to replicate the same intensity and performance that they displayed against Rajasthan Royals If they have to overcome an RCB team that has excelled in all departments this season.
“To get the better of RCB in the final, GT will have to play the same kind of cricket they played in Qualifier 2,” he said.
Both the franchises have a memorable history at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Gujarat Titans won their first IPL trophy in 2022 by defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final during their first season. Meanwhile, RCB had clinched their long-awaited first IPL title with a win over Punjab Kings at the same ground last year.
Having enjoyed a long break after the Qualifier 1 win and with the confidence of the defending champions, RCB may have a slight psychological edge heading into the summit clash. However, with the arrival of GT on the back of a stellar performance in Qualifier 2, they will enter the competition with confidence.
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