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RCB vs GT Impact Players Today: Toss Report, Playing XIs, Latest Updates IPL 2026 Final

Ronav Bailey · · 3 min read

The Grand Finale: RCB vs GT

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is reaching its dramatic conclusion with match number 74. It is the final showdown, and the atmosphere at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is absolutely electric. Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to lock horns with the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT) in what promises to be a historic encounter.

This match is a significant reverse fixture of Qualifier 1. The venue holds special memories for RCB, as this is the exact ground where they secured their maiden trophy last year by defeating the Punjab Kings. On that momentous night, Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning performance. Tonight, fans have flooded into the stadium to witness what could be a repeat of that glory or a new beginning for the Titans.

The Path to the Final

Rajat Patidar and his RCB squad enter this contest with confidence. Having secured their place in the final by defeating the Titans in Qualifier 1, the team has enjoyed extra preparation time. Throughout the 2026 season, RCB has played with the grit and determination of true champions. Their objective tonight is clear: successfully defend the title and join the elite ranks of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as teams that have retained the trophy.

On the other side of the ledger, the Gujarat Titans have shown incredible resilience. Despite facing off-field logistical hurdles, including travel delays caused by natural calamities in New Chandigarh, the team remains focused. Under the leadership of Shubman Gill, who recently hammered a magnificent century in a high-pressure chase of over 200 runs, the Titans are ready to fight. Playing in front of their home crowd in Ahmedabad, the Titans are eager to lift their second IPL title.

Tactical Battles and Pitch Dynamics

The rivalry between RCB and GT is defined by a fearless brand of cricket. Both sides possess a remarkable balance of power hitters and precision bowlers, ensuring that every ball delivered tonight will be contested fiercely. The pitch selected for this final is pitch number 6, which previously hosted a low-scoring thriller between these two sides, ultimately won by GT by four wickets.

Expect a black soil surface that will offer assistance to the bowlers, particularly those who can extract movement or grip. However, the presence of dew later in the evening will undoubtedly be the most critical factor for the captains during the toss. The tactical decision to bowl or bat first will hinge heavily on how each side plans to manage the slippery conditions as the match progresses.

Official Team Lineups

Here are the playing XIs for tonight’s big clash:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI

  • Rajat Patidar (c)
  • Virat Kohli
  • Devdutt Padikkal
  • Jitesh Sharma (w)
  • Venkatesh Iyer
  • Tim David
  • Krunal Pandya
  • Bhuvneshwar Kumar
  • Rasikh Salam Dar
  • Jacob Duffy
  • Josh Hazlewood

Gujarat Titans Playing XI

  • Shubman Gill (c)
  • Sai Sudharsan
  • Jos Buttler (w)
  • Nishant Sindhu
  • Washington Sundar
  • Jason Holder
  • Rahul Tewatia
  • Rashid Khan
  • R Sai Kishore
  • Kagiso Rabada
  • Mohammed Siraj / Prasidh Krishna

Impact Players

The Impact Player rule continues to add layers of strategy to the IPL. Both teams have named strong benches ready to influence the outcome of the game.

RCB Impact Players: Romario Shepherd, Kanishk Chouhan, Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox.

GT Impact Players: Kumar Kushagra, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Anuj Rawat, Kulwant Khejroliya.

As the sun sets over Ahmedabad, the stage is set for a monumental battle. Whether it is RCB cementing their dynasty or the Titans claiming the crown at home, one thing is certain: the IPL 2026 final will be a night to remember for cricket fans worldwide.

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.