Royal Challengers Bengaluru struggled at 100/6 after 12 overs after a dramatic turnaround by Gujarat Titans in their high-stakes IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday. RCB had looked set for a commanding total after Virat Kohli produced an explosive start, but Gujarat’s disciplined bowling response completely changed the complexion of the innings. Six wickets inside the first 12 overs left RCB under heavy pressure in a match carrying major playoff implications for both sides.

The innings began in ideal fashion for Bengaluru as Kohli attacked from the outset, taking on Kagiso Rabada with fearless intent. The former RCB Captain hammered five consecutive boundaries in one over, thrilling the crowd and putting Gujarat immediately on the defensive. Kohli raced to 28 from just 13 balls and appeared well placed for a significant innings. However, Rabada responded strongly in his next spell, dismissing Kohli with a short-pitched delivery that resulted in a mistimed shot. That breakthrough proved decisive, as it shifted momentum sharply toward the Titans.

Once Kohli departed, Bengaluru’s batting order struggled to settle. Jacob Bethell had already fallen cheaply, and Gujarat continued striking at regular intervals through sharp bowling changes and tight fielding. Captain Rajat Patidar’s dismissal became a major talking point after questions were raised over the legality of Jason Holder’s catch. The RCB dugout showed visible frustration, while Kohli was seen engaged in an intense discussion with match officials. The controversial moment added another layer of drama to an already tense contest, with Bengaluru suddenly slipping from a dominant position into a crisis.

At 100/6 after 12 overs, Devdutt Padikkal and Romario Shepherd were at the crease with the task of rebuilding the innings and pushing RCB toward a defendable total. Much will depend on whether the lower middle order can counterattack in the final overs and recover from the collapse.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, sense an opportunity to tighten their grip further and restrict RCB to a modest score before beginning the chase. With playoff pressure mounting and momentum firmly with the home side, the closing overs of the first innings could prove crucial in deciding the outcome.