The stage is set for the IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Both teams finished in the top two during the league stage. They will now battle for their second IPL title. RCB enter the final as defending champions, while GT are aiming to lift the trophy again after their success in 2022.
Ahead of the big match, former India opener Virender Sehwag shared his views on the contest. He praised RCB for their performances this season but believes the final is too close to call.
RCB have been one of the most consistent teams in IPL 2026. They defeated GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 after posting a huge total of 264. Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 164 in that match.
However, GT bounced back strongly in Qualifier 2. Captain Shubman Gill led from the front with a brilliant century. His unbeaten 104 helped Gujarat chase down 215 against Rajasthan Royals with seven wickets in hand.
Sehwag Says Final Is a Level Playing Field
Speaking before the final, Sehwag said both teams have an equal chance of winning.
“The kind of cricket that RCB are playing, and have been playing, has been quite exceptional. According to me, it is a straight 50-50,” Sehwag said on the show.
Sehwag also spoke about Gujarat’s home advantage. He believes it will not make much difference because the pitch for the final will be prepared under BCCI supervision.
“This is GT’s home ground, but because it’s a final, they can’t make any pitch that they want, so they won’t get that advantage. Since it’s a final, it will be the BCCI that will prepare the wicket, so it’s a level playing field.”
He also said Gujarat must repeat their Qualifier 2 performance to beat RCB.
“GT will have to play the kind of cricket they did in Qualifier 2 to get the better of RCB in the final,” he added.
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