Overview
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a place in the IPL 2026 final with a 92-run win over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, posting 254 with Rajat Patidar unbeaten on 93.
- Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals will play Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on Friday, May 29, with the winner advancing to the final in Ahmedabad on May 31.
- Rajasthan arrive on momentum after Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 97 off 29 in the Eliminator, which boosted the side’s scoring power at the Mullanpur ground.
- Gujarat must rebound from the heavy Dharamsala loss and rely on their pace battery — led by Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj — and their top three to avoid a repeat of their Qualifier 1 collapse.
- New Chandigarh has been a batter‑friendly venue this season with high first-innings totals and the Qualifier 2 winner will face RCB having played two knockouts in quick succession while RCB get several days’ rest.