RCB's IPL 2026 final run: 9 wins, Patidar's 93, and a date with Gujarat Titans
Synopsis
RCB's road to the IPL 2026 final is the story of a champion side refusing to blink — nine league wins, a Patidar masterclass of 93 off 33 in the Qualifier, and Kohli's 600 runs anchoring the chase. Defending the title for the first time in franchise history, they've earned Sunday's showdown with Gujarat Titans the hard way.
Key Takeaways
RCB finished top of the IPL 2026 league table with nine wins from 14 matches .
Captain Rajat Patidar smashed 93 off 33 deliveries in Qualifier 1 , helping RCB post 254 and win by 92 runs .
Virat Kohli leads RCB's run-scorers with 600 runs in 15 matches ; Patidar has added 486 in 14 .
Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the bowling with 26 wickets in 15 matches ; Rasikh Salam has taken 16 in 11 .
RCB face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Sunday .
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending IPL champions, have earned their place in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, set to face 2022 winners Gujarat Titans. The Rajat Patidar-led side topped the league table with nine wins from 14 matches and sealed their final berth with a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
A Strong Start to the Season
RCB wasted no time asserting their title credentials. They opened their campaign with a successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad, then followed up with a comfortable win over Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru. A first defeat came at the hands of Rajasthan Royals, who chased down a 200-plus target in Guwahati, but RCB quickly rebounded with back-to-back wins over Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
Dominant Mid-Season Performances
A narrow loss to Delhi Capitals at home briefly interrupted their momentum, but RCB responded with some of their most clinical cricket of the season. They beat Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru and then produced a stunning performance against Delhi Capitals, bowling them out for just 75 before completing the chase at a rapid pace. This was among the most commanding victories of the campaign.
The middle phase brought adversity — consecutive defeats against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants threatened their playoff hopes. The defending champions, however, responded with three straight wins: a thrilling edge over Mumbai Indians, a victory over Kolkata Knight Riders that confirmed their playoff qualification, and a win over Punjab Kings.
Finishing at the Top Despite Final-Day Setback
A heavy 55-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game could have dented confidence, but RCB's superior net run rate ensured they finished at the top of the standings regardless. It was a fitting reflection of how consistently they had performed across the league phase.
Qualifier 1: Patidar's Masterclass Seals the Final Spot
RCB's most complete display arrived at the most critical moment. Captain Rajat Patidar blazed 93 off 33 deliveries in Qualifier 1 as RCB posted a massive 254 runs. The bowlers backed it up emphatically, dismissing Gujarat Titans for 162 to seal a 92-run win and direct passage to the final.
Key Performers Powering the Run
The campaign has been a collective effort. Virat Kohli once again led the franchise's run-scorers with 600 runs in 15 matches, while skipper Patidar has contributed 486 runs in 14 matches. With the ball, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the standout, claiming 26 wickets in 15 matches, with youngster Rasikh Salam supporting strongly with 16 wickets in 11 matches.
As RCB step out for their second consecutive IPL final, they carry the weight of history — and the momentum of a side that has answered every challenge the season has thrown at them.
Point of View
Including a 55-run hammering in their final fixture, yet topped the table on net run rate. What sets this side apart is the timing of their best performances: the Qualifier 1 dismantling of Gujarat Titans was their highest total of the season. The Patidar-Kohli axis gives them both an aggressive top and a reliable anchor, and Bhuvneshwar's 26 wickets at this stage of his career is perhaps the most underreported story of IPL 2026. The question for Sunday is whether Gujarat Titans — the only side to beat RCB twice in the league phase — have found the blueprint to do it a third time.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the IPL 2026 final?
The IPL 2026 final is scheduled for Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB face Gujarat Titans in what will be RCB's second consecutive final appearance.
How did RCB qualify for the IPL 2026 final?
RCB qualified directly by winning Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans by 92 runs. Captain Rajat Patidar's 93 off 33 deliveries powered RCB to 254, and their bowlers dismissed Gujarat for 162.
Who are RCB's top performers in IPL 2026?
Virat Kohli leads the batting with 600 runs in 15 matches, while Rajat Patidar has scored 486 in 14. With the ball, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 26 wickets in 15 matches, supported by Rasikh Salam's 16 in 11.
Have RCB beaten Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026?
RCB beat Gujarat Titans once during the league stage in Bengaluru and again in Qualifier 1 by 92 runs. However, Gujarat Titans also defeated RCB twice during the league phase, making them the only side to do so this season.
Is this RCB's first time defending the IPL title?
Yes. RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025, and IPL 2026 marks the first time in franchise history that they are defending the championship. A win on Sunday would make them back-to-back IPL champions.
