Gujarat Titans wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler has called on his teammates to welcome the weight of expectation ahead of the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saying the occasion must first be savoured before the group locks in on execution once the match begins.

Buttler's Message to the Dressing Room

Speaking in a pre-match chat with broadcasters, Buttler said the pressure of a final is something players should actively lean into rather than shy away from. 'A little bit (pressure is there). Most of the guys growing up in India, they're used to experiencing pressure and noise and it's encouraged people to lean into it,' he said. 'So try and accept the occasion and enjoy it. This is the stage and stuff that we've all dreamt about being a part of. So allow those emotions to be there. But then when it comes down to it, focus on the cricket.'

When asked whether the pressure of a high-stakes final is a privilege, Buttler was candid: 'Pressure moments and being part of big games and big crowds and playing for trophies is the stuff you dream about. So you've got to lean into that pressure. It's the place we all want to be.'

GT's Road to the Final

Gujarat Titans, who finished second on the league-stage points table, suffered defeat to RCB in Qualifier 1 before bouncing back with a commanding seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to book their place in the title clash. This marks GT's third IPL final in five years — a remarkable consistency for a franchise that won the trophy in Ahmedabad during their debut season in 2022.

Buttler's Form and Role

Buttler has been one of the standout performers of the season, amassing 507 runs in 16 games for GT. Despite his prolific returns, he dismissed suggestions that the top order carries a disproportionate burden in the final. 'No, not at all. It's a team effort. We've all got immense trust and belief in the whole squad and it's going to take a team effort today,' he said.

Home Ground, Neutral Crowd

The final is being played at Narendra Modi Stadium, which serves as GT's home ground, giving the side a degree of familiarity with conditions. Buttler acknowledged the advantage while tempering expectations of crowd support. 'It's familiar for us. Obviously, we've played a lot of cricket here. We know what to expect, but it's certainly not going to be a home crowd,' he noted — a nod to the passionate RCB fanbase that routinely travels in large numbers.

What's at Stake

A win tonight would hand Gujarat Titans their second IPL title and cement their status as one of the most consistent franchises in the tournament's history. For RCB, it represents a chance to end a long wait for their maiden IPL crown. The contest sets up as one of the most anticipated finals in recent memory, with both sides having earned their place through contrasting but compelling routes.