Royal Challengers Bengaluru host the Gujarat Titans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday in the IPL 2026 encounter between the two sides. RCB stand third in the table with 4 wins from 6 outings
this season, while GT are placed sixth with have six points in as many assignments in the ongoing campaign.
Both sides come into the game on the back of a defeat, as RCB went down to DC in their previous outing while GT went down to MI, and will look to bounce back to winning ways.
Phil Salt
The English batter, who spearheaded RCB to the title last year has been in good touch in the ongoing season that has helped the side’s defence in the early stages of the season. His half-century against DC went in vain, but his knocks at the Chinnaswamy Stadium have been crucial for the upturn in fortunes for the champions in recent years.
Virat Kohli
The veteran batter synonymous with his trademark consistency, will aim to extend his rich vein of form when GT visit Bengaluru. Kohli failed to get going in their game against DC and RCB ultimately paid the price with a defeat.A fluent knock from King Kohli at the top of the order is expected to set the tone for RCB’s evening.
Rajat Patidar
The man who guided RCB to their maiden IPL title last year has carried his imperious form into the current season, as shown by his destructive performances against Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings earlier in the tournament. Patidar has been central to RCB’s title defence, excelling in a floating role and delivering both when batting down the order and when promoting himself up the lineup.
Shubman Gill
The GT skipper has been in superb touch this season, producing a couple of statement innings after returning from the injury that sidelined him for a game earlier in the tournament. Gill has made a strong comeback and will be eager to maintain his momentum when the former champions take on the defending title holders.
Jos Buttler
GT rely heavily on their top order for big runs, and the experienced Englishman at the crucial No.3 spot will be key to their plans. Buttler will need to steady the innings and spend time at the crease, anchoring the batting given GT’s dependence on their top-order contributions.
Prasidh Krishna
The GT pacer once again sits atop the purple cap standings as the season’s leading wicket-taker, and deservedly so. The Karnataka seamer has a knack for striking in the middle overs, breaking partnerships and disrupting the opposition’s scoring rhythm and batting structure, a quality GT will be counting on.
