RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: Probable Playing 11 Preview

The stage is set for what could be an epic showdown at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru sit in the final after dismantling Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Fans now wonder if GT can bounce back through Qualifier 2 and force a rematch.

RCB Probable Playing 11

1. Virat Kohli
2. Venkatesh Iyer / Phil Salt
3. Devdutt Padikkal
4. Rajat Patidar (c)
5. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
6. Tim David
7. Romario Shepherd
8. Krunal Pandya
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Suyash Sharma / Rasikh Salam Dar

Impact Player: Venkatesh Iyer or Tim David depending on conditions.

GT Probable Playing 11

1. Sai Sudharsan
2. Shubman Gill (c)
3. Jos Buttler (wk)
4. Washington Sundar
5. Jason Holder / Rahul Tewatia
6. Rashid Khan
7. Kagiso Rabada
8. Mohammed Siraj
9. Prasidh Krishna
10. Arshad Khan / Nishant Sindhu
11. Manav Suthar or similar spin option

Impact Player: Prasidh Krishna or a batting reinforcement.

These lineups draw from recent matches and squad trends. RCB leans on explosive middle-order power and experienced pace, while GT banks on spin control from Rashid and pace depth.⁠

Key Matchups to Watch Virat Kohli faces Rashid Khan again — a battle of experience versus guile. Patidar’s form gives RCB an edge in the middle overs. Gill and Buttler must fire early for GT to post big totals on what promises to be a batting-friendly Ahmedabad pitch. Hazlewood and Bhuvi offer control with the new ball, testing GT’s top order.⁠The crowd will pack the stands under the lights. You could sense the electricity last time these sides met, with every boundary bringing roars that shook the ground. Kohli’s quiet intensity at the crease contrasts with the raw energy of younger guns like Padikkal and David. For GT, Gill carries the weight of leadership on his shoulders after a tough loss in Qualifier 1.

This potential final carries huge stakes. RCB chases back-to-back titles. GT hunts redemption. Whichever way Qualifier 2 goes tonight, cricket fans win with high-scoring drama expected.⁠

Fact-checked: Yes, based on latest reports from May 2026 sources including ESPNcricinfo, IPL official updates, and major sports outlets. All player inclusions reflect current form and squad availability in the 2026 season.

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