The IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) began with Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill winning the toss and electing to bowl first at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday. The high-stakes clash will decide the first finalist of the season, with both teams entering the knockout stage in strong form after dominant league campaigns.

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, have made two bold selection decisions in their playing XI for this crucial encounter. The defending champions left out opener Phil Salt, opting for a tactical reshuffle at the top of the order, and included pacer Jacob Duffy to strengthen their bowling attack. The team, which finished at the top of the league table, is aiming to secure back-to-back IPL final appearances and continue its title defence.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, made one change to their lineup, bringing in Kulwant Khejroliya in place of Arshad Khan. GT finished second in the league stage and are targeting their third IPL final appearance in the last five seasons. With both teams boasting strong batting depth and high-quality pace attacks, the contest is expected to be heavily influenced by conditions in Dharamshala, where high-scoring games have been a consistent feature this season.

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A major subplot of the match is the form and milestone chase of RCB’s star batter Virat Kohli, who enters the knockout just 43 runs away from a significant career record. His performance at the top is expected to play a crucial role in setting the tone for RCB’s innings, especially on a pitch known for favouring stroke play in the powerplay overs.

Both sides feature a strong pace battery, making the bowling battle equally important. RCB’s attack, alongside GT’s disciplined seam unit, is expected to test batters under pressure in a high-intensity knockout environment. With qualification to the final on the line, early breakthroughs and powerplay dominance could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of this closely watched encounter.

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