Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a thrilling five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in their previous IPL 2026 meeting last week, chasing down a stiff
206-run target at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The match turned into a battle of centuries and counterattacks, with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal leading RCB's chase after Sai Sudharsan had earlier struck a brilliant hundred for Gujarat.
Sai Sudharsan's century sets platform for Gujarat Titans
After being put in to bat, Gujarat Titans built their innings around a composed and technically sound knock from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 100 off 58 balls. He started cautiously but found his rhythm as the innings progressed, accelerating through the middle overs with inventive stroke play.
Sudharsan reached his fifty steadily before stepping up the scoring rate with scoops, uppercuts, and slog sweeps that put pressure on RCB's bowlers. His century came off 57 balls, marking one of the key batting performances of the match.
He also shared a valuable 128-run partnership with Shubman Gill, who contributed 32 runs. However, despite the strong foundation, Gujarat Titans struggled to accelerate at the death. They managed only 35 runs in the final four overs, eventually finishing on 205 for 3 - a total that looked competitive but not entirely out of reach on a batting-friendly surface.
RCB bowlers restrict late surge
Royal Challengers Bengaluru staged an impressive comeback in the closing stages of Gujarat's innings. Bowlers like Suyash Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Josh Hazlewood tightened the scoring rate, conceding just 17 runs across three overs between the 17th and 19th overs.
This disciplined finish prevented Gujarat Titans from crossing the 220-mark, a factor that later proved crucial in the final outcome.
Kohli and Padikkal dominate the chase
In reply, RCB lost early momentum when Jacob Bethell, playing as an Impact Player, fell after a brief cameo of 14 runs. However, the momentum quickly shifted when Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal combined for a match-defining partnership.
Kohli, who was dropped on the very first ball he faced, made full use of the reprieve and played a commanding innings of 81 off 44 balls. He attacked both pace and spin with authority, finding boundaries consistently during the middle overs.
Padikkal was equally aggressive at the other end, smashing 55 off just 27 balls. His innings included several powerful strokes off fast bowlers, and he reached his half-century in just 20 deliveries - one of the fastest fifties of the match.
Together, Kohli and Padikkal added 115 runs for the second wicket in under 10 overs, placing RCB firmly in control of the chase.
Late wobble adds tension to the finish
Despite the strong partnership, Gujarat Titans fought back briefly by removing key batters in quick succession. Rashid Khan dismissed Padikkal with a well-disguised googly, while Kohli fell soon after, creating a short period of uncertainty.
RCB suddenly found themselves five wickets down with 31 runs still required from four overs, bringing the match back into contention.
Krunal Pandya finishes the job
Krunal Pandya ensured there would be no further drama by delivering a calm finishing effort. He attacked the Gujarat bowlers in the closing overs, striking boundaries that reduced the pressure quickly.
In the 18th over, Krunal hit two fours and a six to bring the target within reach. He then sealed the win in the penultimate over, guiding RCB to victory with seven balls remaining.
Match summary
Gujarat Titans: 205/3 (Sai Sudharsan 100, Shubman Gill 32)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 206/5 (Virat Kohli 81, Devdutt Padikkal 55)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 5 wickets
Key takeaway ahead of next GT vs RCB clash
The previous encounter highlighted the batting strength of both teams, with centuries and aggressive partnerships dominating the match. While Sai Sudharsan's century provided Gujarat Titans with a strong total, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's top-order firepower ultimately proved decisive.
Heading into their next meeting, Gujarat Titans will look to improve their finishing with the bat, while RCB will aim to replicate the consistency that powered their successful chase last week.
