Both teams finished the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches, but RCB claimed the top spot owing to a superior net run rate.
With only a few hours left for the big clash, here’s a look at the key players to watch out for in the high-voltage RCB vs GT encounter:
- VIRAT KOHLI
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 557
- Average: 50.63
- Strike Rate: 163.82
Since the inception of the IPL, Virat Kohli has been the face of RCB. He has been the cornerstone of the Bengaluru franchise, which finally ended its 18-year wait for a maiden IPL title last year. Kohli’s emotions were evident when RCB lifted the coveted trophy – the tears of joy, the smile, the satisfaction, and the celebration said it all.
Now, with RCB enjoying another dominant campaign in IPL 2026, Kohli will be eager to defend the title. The veteran batter has been in stellar form, scoring 557 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.63 and a strike rate of 163.82. He also has one century and four fifties to his name this season. Qualifier 1 could witness another special knock from the RCB stalwart.
- SHUBMAN GILL
- Matches: 13
- Runs: 616
- Average: 47.38
- Strike Rate: 161.67
Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans, champions in IPL 2022, entered the playoffs as the second-best team on the points table with 18 points. One of the biggest reasons behind their success has been the captain’s sensational form.
Shedding the tag of not being a T20 batter, Gill has silenced his critics in style. He is currently the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 616 runs in 13 matches at an average of 47.38 and a strike rate of 161.67. The stylish opener already has six half-centuries under his belt. If Kohli will be the key man for RCB, Gill will be expected to fire on all cylinders for GT in Qualifier 1.
- KRUNAL PANDYA
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 182
- Average: 45.50
- Strike Rate: 145.60
- Wickets: 11
Whenever the team has been in trouble, Krunal Pandya’s ‘main hoon na’ approach has worked brilliantly for RCB. Whether it is rescuing the side with crucial runs or controlling the flow of runs with his clever bowling, Krunal has delivered in every department this season.
Against Mumbai Indians, Krunal battled severe cramps, repeatedly went down on the field, but still guided RCB to a thrilling two-wicket win with a match-saving 73 off 46 balls. Apart from his batting heroics, the all-rounder has also impressed with his disciplined bowling, especially with his short-ball variations. So far, he has scored 182 runs and claimed 11 wickets in the tournament.
- BHUVNESHWAR KUMAR
- Matches: 14
- Wickets: 24
- Economy: 8.07
- Best: 4/23
The swing king Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been lethal in the Powerplay this season. Give him the ball early, and he delivers wickets.
Currently holding the Purple Cap, Bhuvneshwar has led the RCB bowling attack from the front. In 14 matches, he has claimed 24 wickets, with best figures of 4/23. The veteran pacer will once again be expected to rattle GT’s batting lineup and provide early breakthroughs in Qualifier 1.
- RASHID KHAN
- Matches: 14
- Wickets: 19
- Economy: 8.71
- Best: 4/33
With years of experience behind him, Rashid Khan knows exactly how to outfox batters. Even on days when wickets don’t come easily, he has the ability to choke the flow of runs and build pressure.
The Afghanistan spinner will once again be Shubman Gill’s go-to bowler in the knockout clash. Rashid has played 14 matches this season and picked up 19 wickets at an economy rate of 8.71, with best figures of 4/33.
- JASON HOLDER
- Matches: 8
- Runs: 58
- Wickets: 13
Jason Holder may have played only eight matches for Gujarat Titans, but he has made a strong impact with his performances in IPL 2026.
While Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada have handled the Powerplay duties brilliantly, the middle overs have often belonged to Holder. He was adjudged Player of the Match for his spell of 4/24 against Punjab Kings, where he dismantled PBKS’ middle order, including the prized wickets of Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis.
Apart from his bowling and big-hitting ability, Holder has also been exceptional in the field. In eight matches, he has scored 58 runs and taken 13 wickets. His role will be crucial for GT in the all-important Qualifier 1 against RCB.
