In a season dominated by their batting firepower, Gujarat Titans' opening duo finally met their nemesis in the ultimate stage.
In a dramatic IPL 2026 finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru once more exposed the vulnerability of Gujarat Titans' formidable opening pair. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, the league's most prolific opening combination, were both dismissed inside the powerplay.
RCB's new-ball attack struck clinically early. Sai Sudharsan departed for just 12, caught behind off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Shubman Gill was dismissed cheaply soon after by Josh Hazlewood. The duo, who had amassed over 1,400 runs together this season with multiple century stands, could not get going.
IPL 2026: RCB with a spell on GT Openers
This was not a one-off.
RCB had dismantled GT's top order in similar fashion three times during the season. In the league clash at Ahmedabad, both openers fell early. The pattern repeated in Dharamsala during Qualifier 1, and even in the high-stakes final, RCB executed their powerplay plans to perfection.
RCB's strategy was simple yet devastating - aggressive lengths, movement off the seam, and sharp fielding that prevented Gill and Sudharsan from settling. Gill, known for his elegant drives and explosive acceleration, managed only a few boundaries before edging one. Sudharsan, the anchor with a strike rate often touching 160, fell to a sharp delivery. Their early exits left GT reeling at under 30/2 inside the powerplay.
For RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, this victory over GT's top order in the final adds another chapter to their dominance. They have now wrapped up Gill and Sudharsan within the first six overs on four separate occasions this season. As the final unfolds, GT face an uphill battle, while RCB edge closer to glory.
