Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has backed Gujarat Titans (GT) as slight favourites heading into IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), arguing that the swing-and-bounce conditions at Dharamshala will amplify an already formidable Gujarat pace attack. The high-stakes clash is scheduled for Tuesday at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, with a berth in the IPL 2026 final on the line.

Why Dharamshala Favours Gujarat

Pathan pointed to the unique character of the Dharamshala surface as the decisive factor. 'The conditions in Dharamshala will favour fast bowling. There will be swing and bounce on offer. I think Gujarat have a slight edge because of the quality and consistency of their pace attack,' he said.

He stressed that Gujarat's pacers have already been effective on the flat tracks of Ahmedabad, and that a seam-friendly surface will only heighten that threat. 'Their fast bowlers have been performing well even on flat tracks in Ahmedabad. Here, with the ball moving and bouncing, they will be even more dangerous. How quickly both teams adapt will matter, but Gujarat start as favourites because their bowling is better suited to these conditions,' Pathan added.

This comes amid broader recognition that Dharamshala's altitude and cool air have historically assisted pace bowlers, making it one of the more bowler-friendly IPL venues in recent seasons.

Pathan's Praise for Shubman Gill

Beyond the bowling matchup, Pathan reserved considerable praise for Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, describing his development as both a leader and a batter as one of the standout stories of IPL 2026. 'Shubman Gill has done a remarkable job captaining the Gujarat Titans, and his batting has also been excellent. He has grown as a batter and will relish the challenge of facing RCB,' Pathan said.

Pathan highlighted Gill's technical refinement this season, particularly his off-side play against pace and his use of the slog sweep against spin. 'His off-side play against pace bowlers is top-class. He steps out, gets into position, and once he is set, he attacks with intent. Against spin, he uses the slog sweep to hit big shots,' he explained.

Gill's Motivation: A National Team Recall

Pathan also identified a sharper edge to Gill's performances this season — the desire to reclaim his place in the Indian national side after being dropped for the T20 World Cup 2026. 'He entered this IPL season with a clear goal: improve his strike rate. He lost his place in the Indian team and wants to earn it back. That is definitely on his mind,' Pathan said.

Notably, the combination of personal motivation and a venue that suits his aggressive style could make Gill a particularly dangerous opponent for RCB's bowlers on Tuesday. 'I believe Shubman Gill will really enjoy the challenge of playing RCB in the first qualifier. He will also like this Dharamshala pitch, which should suit his style of play,' Pathan added.

What's at Stake

The winner of Qualifier 1 advances directly to the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side gets a second chance through Qualifier 2. For RCB, a victory would put them on course to defend their title; for GT, it would be a statement of intent from a side that has consistently punched above its weight in knockout cricket.