Ananya Birla Reacts to RCB’s Dominant Win Over GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier

Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2026 final after a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala on Tuesday, underlining their dominance with both bat and ball in a record-breaking playoff performance. The defending champions delivered a statement win, first posting the highest-ever total in IPL playoff history—254/5 in 20 overs—before their bowlers dismantled Gujarat Titans for 162, sealing a comprehensive passage into the final.

The win ensured RCB’s continued strong run in the tournament, with the side once again proving their credentials as the team to beat this season. Beyond on-field success, the franchise has also been in the spotlight off the field. Ahead of IPL 2026, RCB became the most expensive franchise in IPL history after a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group (ABG) acquired the team for USD 1.78 billion (approximately Rs 16,706 crore) from United Spirits Limited.

Ananya Birla, a prominent figure in the Aditya Birla Group, was present at the stadium in Dharamsala to witness RCB’s emphatic victory. She took to social media to express her excitement after the win. In her Instagram story, she wrote: “What. A. Win. Congratulations @royalchallengers.bengaluru. Today was so inspiring to witness. Here we come, finals.”

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On the cricketing front, RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat heaped praise on captain Rajat Patidar after his sensational unbeaten 93, which laid the foundation for the massive total. Patidar’s knock combined fearless strokeplay with controlled aggression, helping RCB seize control early in the contest. “He’s worked incredibly hard on his game with both DK (Dinesh Karthik) and Andy Flower,” Bobat said after the match.

“One thing about Rajat is that he middles the ball a lot. Whether it’s pace or spin, front foot or back foot, the ball often hits the middle of his bat. That’s usually a very good sign. He has really strong basics and fearless intent. Over the last couple of years, we’ve tried to make that the identity of our team.” Bobat also highlighted Patidar’s consistency and evolution as a leader over the last two seasons, noting his ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.

“He’s certainly batting brilliantly right now and has done so throughout the competition. That was a really special knock in such a big qualifier. Any team whose captain is in form gets greater confidence from that,” he added. RCB’s aggressive batting identity has been a key factor in their success this season, and Bobat reiterated that Patidar has become central to that philosophy.

“We’re becoming accustomed to seeing these sorts of knocks from him now. He played some outrageous shots, but it was the aggressive intent that stood out. That’s leading by example,” he said. Despite early wickets in the middle overs, Patidar briefly anchored the innings before launching another late assault, ensuring RCB finished with an imposing total that Gujarat Titans never came close to chasing.

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