IPL 2026 Final: GT vs RCB Match Prediction – Who Will Win Today's IPL Final Between Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Searching for the GT vs RCB IPL 2026 Final match prediction? This is exactly the article you need. We've pulled every piece of research together so you walk into tonight's IPL final knowing everything.
Here's what you'll get in this article:
- Full match details and where to watch the biggest cricket match of the year
- Pitch and weather report for the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Complete head-to-head record between GT and RCB
- How both teams got to the final: the full playoff journey
- Real, verified form data for both teams
- Predicted playing XIs for both sides
- Injury and availability updates, including the stadium venue change story
- Key player battles to watch: Kohli vs Rabada, Gill vs Bhuvneshwar
- Dream11 fantasy tips and captain picks
- Our final expert prediction for who lifts the IPL 2026 trophy tonight
Tonight is the biggest match in IPL 2026. The high-voltage final is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, with the stage set for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru to face the Gujarat Titans for the IPL 2026 trophy.
Defending champions vs a team hungry for their second title. Kohli vs Gill. Bhuvneshwar vs Rabada. 1.3 lakh fans inside the world's largest cricket stadium.
By the end of this article, you'll know exactly who we're backing and why tonight matters so much.
RCB vs GT Today Match Prediction | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans | IPL 2026 Final Match
The IPL 2026 Final Has Arrived – Everything Led to This Moment
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the largest cricket stadium on the planet. It holds over 1.3 lakh fans. On IPL Final night, it becomes something otherworldly.
This marks the fourth time in the last five seasons that Ahmedabad has been selected to host the IPL final, following 2022, 2023, and 2025.
And this final? It was supposed to be at RCB's home ground in Bengaluru. But it was moved. The final was originally scheduled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru before being moved to Gujarat. "Bengaluru was originally designated to host the final. However, owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned," the IPL stated.
So the final comes to Ahmedabad, and in a remarkable twist, it's at GT's home ground. That matters. That is the X-factor that hangs over tonight's entire contest.
GT vs RCB: Final Match Details
Here's everything you need before the biggest match of IPL 2026:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | IPL 2026 Final |
| Teams | Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Date | Sunday, May 31, 2026 |
| Match Time | 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT) |
| Toss Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Gates Open | 4:30 PM IST |
| TV | Star Sports Network |
| Live Stream | JioHotstar App (Free in India) |
| Expected Attendance | 1.3 lakh+ fans |
| Reserve Day | Monday, June 1, 2026 |
Tickets: Ticket prices for the IPL 2026 Final vary significantly depending on seating location. Budget seating in the upper-tier sections starts from around ₹1,000 and goes up to ₹4,000. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has designated District by Zomato as the official ticketing partner.
How Did Both Teams Get Here?
Before we break down tonight, let's recap how both teams earned their place in the final.
RCB's Playoff Journey
RCB's route to the final:
- RCB became the first team to confirm their place in the final after beating GT in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26.
- They finished the league stage at 1st place with 18 points, the best NRR in the tournament.
- Virat Kohli anchored the innings time and again on his way to 557 runs this season.
- RCB have had 5 days of rest between the Qualifier 1 win and tonight's Final — a major advantage.
GT's Playoff Journey
GT's route to the final:
- GT finished the league stage at 2nd place with 18 points (separated from RCB only by NRR).
- They lost Qualifier 1 to RCB at Dharamsala.
- Shubman Gill's majestic century in Qualifier 2 led Gujarat Titans into the Final showdown with RCB.
- GT then beat Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on May 29 to book their place tonight.
- GT arrive at their home ground in Ahmedabad, and Gill loves this stadium.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: Pitch Report
The Narendra Modi Stadium is one of the great batting venues in world cricket. Understanding tonight's pitch is crucial.
Here's what you need to know:
- Generally, the wicket is excellent for batting in Ahmedabad. It should be a high-scoring run fest.
- The pitch offers true bounce and good pace — batters can play their shots freely from the first ball.
- The outfield is fast — the ball races to the boundary once it beats the inner ring.
- Shubman Gill has scored 1,144 runs at an average of 54.47 and a strike rate of 162.26 at this specific venue — it is his batting paradise.
- Spinners get some grip in the middle overs as the pitch slows down after the 12th–14th over.
Simple tip: This is a ground that produces 190–220 first-innings scores. Both teams have the batting firepower to post or chase any total. Expect a high-scoring, fast-paced final tonight.
How Has Ahmedabad Played in IPL History?
The Narendra Modi Stadium has a rich final history:
- The 2025 IPL Final at Narendra Modi Stadium was won by Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 6 runs — RCB won their first title here last season.
- GT won the 2022 IPL Final at this same venue — it's their backyard.
- Big totals of 220+ have been posted here this season.
Toss Factor at Ahmedabad Tonight
Both teams have explosive batting capable of scoring big in any situation. At Ahmedabad, the pitch stays true, so batting first is genuinely viable.
However, dew settles in the second innings under the floodlights, making it harder for spinners to grip the ball and giving the chasing team a slight advantage in the final 6–8 overs.
Our tip: The toss winner may look to bowl first to take advantage of the dew. But at a ground this big and batting-friendly, both options are viable.
GT vs RCB: Weather Report for Ahmedabad Tonight
Excellent news for cricket fans everywhere. No rain expected.
A clear evening is expected in Ahmedabad. The temperature will hover around 35–37°C, with the chances of rainfall being 0%.
Key weather points for tonight:
- Temperature: Around 34–37°C at start, cooling through the evening
- Rain chance: 0% — a full, uninterrupted Final is guaranteed
- Humidity: Moderate, conditions are warm but manageable
- Dew: Will settle from around the 12th–14th over of the second innings
- Wind: Mild, conditions ideal for both batting and bowling
The world's biggest cricket stadium, 1.3 lakh fans, perfect clear skies, and two brilliant teams. Tonight was made for this.
GT vs RCB: Head-to-Head T20 Record
Let's look at the complete rivalry between these two sides.
In 10 IPL matches, RCB and GT are perfectly tied at 4-4, with two no results recorded.
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 10 |
| RCB Wins | 4 |
| GT Wins | 4 |
| No Result | 2 |
It doesn't get more balanced than this. No psychological edge either way from history.
What Happened in Their Two IPL 2026 League Meetings
This season, both teams have traded wins. RCB won at Raipur while GT won at Ahmedabad, making this a genuinely unpredictable contest.
GT won the league meeting at this very stadium. At their home ground, against RCB, in a match that matters, Gill's team already has a blueprint for how to beat tonight's opponents.
But RCB won Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala just five days ago. So the most recent meeting between these teams? RCB won.
The Final-Specific Factor: GT's Ahmedabad Record
This is the number that changes everything. Shubman Gill has scored 1,144 runs at an average of 54.47 at Narendra Modi Stadium in IPL history, including three tons and five fifties at this ground.
Gill at Ahmedabad is a completely different proposition from Gill anywhere else. He feels at home. He reads the pitch instinctively. He's already won one IPL final at this venue.
GT vs RCB: Team Form Guide
Gujarat Titans Season Overview
GT's IPL 2026 record: 9 wins, 5 losses (18 points, 2nd place)
Since their defeat to RCB back in April, GT have turned into a completely different animal, recording a 6-1 win-loss record in the second half of the tournament, including posting two scores over 220.
Shubman Gill's majestic century in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals led Gujarat Titans into the final — he arrived at this tournament's biggest stage in the best possible form.
Their season highlights:
- Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have been devastating at the top, both finishing with 500+ run seasons.
- Jason Holder has added genuine menace to an already potent bowling attack.
- Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, and Rashid Khan form one of the most complete bowling attacks in the tournament.
- GT have beaten every team in this playoff bracket — their journey to the Final has included big wins over RR.
One concern: GT played Qualifier 2 on May 29 — they have had only 2 days of rest before tonight. RCB had 5 days. That fatigue factor could be significant in a high-pressure final.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Season Overview
RCB's IPL 2026 record: 9 wins, 5 losses (18 points, 1st place)
RCB have been the tournament's model of consistency. Nine wins from their fourteen league matches, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings time and again on his way to 557 runs this season. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been simply outstanding with the ball, claiming 24 wickets to lead the attack.
Their season highlights:
- Devdutt Padikkal has been equally destructive alongside Kohli at the top of the order.
- RCB won Qualifier 1 convincingly, beating GT in Dharamsala on May 26.
- They are the defending champions — they won the IPL 2025 Final at this same stadium.
- 5 full days of rest before tonight — fresh legs, fresh minds.
One concern: RCB's form guide reads LWWWL in their last five, including the loss to SRH at the end of the league stage. GT will have studied those patterns.
GT vs RCB: IPL 2026 Final — What's at Stake
This is the simplest breakdown of the night:
- If GT wins: They become IPL 2026 champions. Their second title in five seasons. Shubman Gill lifts the trophy at his home ground in front of his home crowd.
- If RCB wins: They become back-to-back IPL champions, only the third team in IPL history to defend their title. Virat Kohli wins his second IPL title.
There are no second chances tonight. No reserve matches. No "better luck next season." This is it.
GT vs RCB: Predicted Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans
- Sai Sudharsan
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Jos Buttler (wk)
- Washington Sundar
- Jason Holder
- Nishant Sindhu
- Rahul Tewatia
- Rashid Khan
- Arshad Khan
- Kagiso Rabada
- Mohammed Siraj
Impact Player options: Glenn Phillips, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Phil Salt
- Virat Kohli
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (c)
- Tim David
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Rasikh Salam Dar
- Josh Hazlewood
Impact Player options: Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Jacob Bethell
GT vs RCB: Injury & Availability Updates
Gujarat Titans Injury News
No confirmed injury concerns for GT heading into the final. Their full squad is available.
The big tactical question is whether GT will use Glenn Phillips as their impact player — his explosive hitting in the middle order could be decisive in the death overs if GT are chasing.
The fatigue factor is real. GT played on May 29 (Qualifier 2), rested on May 30, and play the final on May 31 — back-to-back pressure games with minimal recovery. This is genuinely their biggest challenge tonight.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Injury News
No confirmed injury concerns for RCB. Their squad is fully fit after 5 days of rest since Qualifier 1.
Phil Salt is fit and expected to open tonight — his explosive starts give RCB's powerplay real teeth.
Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood already know what lengths to bowl at Ahmedabad's pitch from their experience there this season. RCB's bowlers are fresh, rested, and prepared.
GT vs RCB: Key Player Battles to Watch
Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada
The headline battle of the entire final.
Bhuvneshwar has dominated Shubman Gill, while Rabada has got Virat Kohli out five times in 16 innings — that's a specific record that will be at the forefront of GT's bowling plans tonight.
Virat Kohli has anchored innings time and again on his way to 557 runs this season. He is the most important batter RCB have, and Rabada is the one bowler who consistently gets him out.
If Rabada dismisses Kohli cheaply tonight, RCB's innings loses its foundation. If Kohli survives Rabada's new-ball spell and builds an innings, it's RCB's final to win.
Shubman Gill vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
The counter-battle that's equally decisive.
Bhuvneshwar has dominated Shubman Gill, averaging just 16 against him while conceding at a strike rate of only 106.7.
But Gill at Ahmedabad is a completely different animal. He has scored 1,144 runs at an average of 54.47 at this specific venue, including three centuries and five fifties. He knows every inch of this pitch.
If Bhuvi gets Gill for under 20, GT's powerful top order loses its engine. If Gill bats through Bhuvi's opening spell and gets going, GT are on course for a massive total.
Rashid Khan vs Phil Salt / Tim David
Rashid Khan is GT's ace leg-spinner. In the middle overs at Ahmedabad, where the pitch slows, his googly and variations become extremely hard to read.
Phil Salt opens and Tim David finishes. Both attack spin aggressively. If Rashid can take one or both wickets at crucial phases, RCB's batting becomes top-heavy and the middle collapses under pressure.
Sai Sudharsan vs Josh Hazlewood
Sai Sudharsan won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap as the tournament's leading run-scorer. He's the most consistent batter in this final.
Josh Hazlewood is Australia's express pacer who generates steep bounce and seam movement. At Ahmedabad, he uses the new ball brilliantly. If Hazlewood gets Sudharsan early, GT's top order has a hole in it from the first over.
GT vs RCB: Probable Best Performers of the Final
Probable Best Batter: Shubman Gill
This is his stadium. His backyard. His arena.
Shubman Gill has scored 1,144 IPL runs at this venue at an average of 54.47 with three centuries and five fifties.
He scored a century in Qualifier 2 just two days ago. He is in the form of his life. In an IPL Final at his home ground, Gill playing a match-winning innings tonight would be the most poetically perfect sporting story of the year.
Probable Best Bowler: Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been simply outstanding with the ball this season, claiming 24 wickets to lead RCB's attack.
He has the specific record of dominating Shubman Gill, the most important batter GT has. On a pitch that offers early movement before settling, Bhuvi's swing and accuracy in the powerplay is RCB's most dangerous weapons.
Probable Best All-Rounder: Washington Sundar
Washington Sundar bowls tight off-spin AND bats explosively in the middle order. He delivers a match-winning cameo when GT needs it most, as he showed earlier in the playoff run.
At Ahmedabad, a ground where the pitch slows in the middle overs, his off-spin can create pressure and wickets at exactly the phase where batters are trying to accelerate.
Probable X-Factor Player (Wildcard Pick): Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer has been RCB's surprise weapon in the second half of the season, contributing explosive innings in key moments.
He bats in the crucial middle order at 6–7 and can take the game away in 15–20 balls. At Ahmedabad's fast outfield and true bounce, Iyer's ability to hit the ball hard and straight makes him incredibly dangerous in the 15th–18th overs.
GT vs RCB: Fantasy XI Tips & Dream11 Prediction
Dream11 is a fantasy sports platform where you pick 11 real players and earn points based on what they do in tonight's IPL final. Your captain earns double points — the most important choice of the night.
Our Suggested Fantasy XI for the IPL 2026 Final:
| Role | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| WK | Jitesh Sharma | RCB |
| BAT | Virat Kohli (C) | RCB |
| BAT | Shubman Gill | GT |
| BAT | Sai Sudharsan | GT |
| BAT | Devdutt Padikkal | RCB |
| ALL | Washington Sundar (VC) | GT |
| ALL | Venkatesh Iyer | RCB |
| ALL | Rahul Tewatia | GT |
| BOWL | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB |
| BOWL | Kagiso Rabada | GT |
| BOWL | Josh Hazlewood | RCB |
Captain & Vice-Captain Picks
| Role | Safe Pick | Risky Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Captain (2x points) | Virat Kohli | Shubman Gill |
| Vice-Captain (1.5x) | Washington Sundar | Sai Sudharsan |
Differential Picks for the Final
These low-ownership picks could win your fantasy contest:
- Tim David: RCB's death-overs finisher who can score 40 off 20 balls at Ahmedabad's fast outfield.
- Glenn Phillips: if he comes in as an impact player, GT's most explosive batting option has enormous ceiling.
- Rasikh Salam: RCB's young pace option who has picked up crucial wickets in the playoff run.
GT vs RCB: Strengths & Weaknesses Analysis
Gujarat Titans
| Aspect | Gujarat Titans (GT) |
|---|---|
| Strengths |
|
| Weaknesses |
|
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
| Aspect | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
|---|---|
| Strengths |
|
| Weaknesses |
|
Today's Match Prediction: What We Expect at the Narendra Modi Stadium
Based on Ahmedabad's pitch, dew factor, and final dynamics:
- Both teams will post 190–220 range totals — this is a batting paradise.
- The power play will be critical — early wickets change the entire shape of the game.
- Dew will settle from around the 12th–14th over of the second innings.
- Expect both teams to save their best performances for the biggest night.
- 200–220 (Expected score if GT bat first)
- 195–215 (Expected score if RCB bat first)
GT vs RCB Final: Our Expert Prediction
Our prediction: Gujarat Titans to win IPL 2026. Here's the full case for GT, backed entirely by data:
- Home ground advantage: Narendra Modi Stadium is GT's backyard. GT have the psychological advantage of playing the final at their home ground. That carrot of a home final could be the difference in a close contest.
- Shubman Gill has scored 1,144 IPL runs at this venue with 3 hundreds and 5 fifties — there is no batter in the world more dangerous at this specific ground.
- Gill's century in Qualifier 2 means he walks into tonight's Final in the absolute form of his life.
- GT has a 6-1 win-loss record in the second half of the IPL 2026 season — no team has been more dominant in the run-up to the final.
- Rabada has a specific record of dismissing Kohli 5 times — if he gets RCB's most important batter cheaply, the defending champions' batting can crumble.
The case for RCB is equally strong: defending champions, 5 days' rest, Kohli in superb form, and Bhuvneshwar's 24 wickets. Don't rule them out.
But tonight, at Ahmedabad, where Shubman Gill has already written history, we're backing the Titans.
Predicted winner: Gujarat Titans 🔵
Ready to Back the Right Team in the IPL Final?
Get expert prediction updates, toss tips, and pitch reports before every IPL 2026 match. Contact us on WhatsApp now.
Get Your Betting ID NowFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What time does the IPL 2026 Final start tonight?
The high-voltage final is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST tonight, Sunday, May 31. Stadium gates will open from 4:30 PM onwards. UK viewers can watch from 2:00 PM GMT.
Where can I watch the IPL 2026 final live?
Live coverage is available on Star Sports Network channels in India, with JioHotstar streaming the final live and free for Indian viewers.
Why was the IPL 2026 final moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad?
The final was originally scheduled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru before being moved to Gujarat. The IPL stated that certain requirements from the local association and authorities were beyond the scope of the BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, leading to the venue change.
What is the pitch like at Narendra Modi Stadium tonight?
Generally, the wicket at Narendra Modi Stadium is excellent for batting. It is a high-scoring ground where totals of 200+ are commonplace. The outfield is fast, the boundaries are true, and both teams will look to post big totals.
Who has won more matches between GT and RCB?
In 10 IPL matches, RCB and GT are perfectly tied at 4-4, with two no results recorded. There is no historical advantage for either team — tonight is genuinely a 50/50 contest on head-to-head data alone.
Is there any rain risk for tonight's IPL 2026 final?
No. A clear evening is expected in Ahmedabad with a 0% chance of rainfall. A full, uninterrupted final is guaranteed tonight. However, Monday, June 1, has been set aside as the official reserve day in the unlikely event of any interruption.
How did GT qualify for the IPL 2026 final?
Shubman Gill's majestic century in Qualifier 2 led Gujarat Titans into the final showdown with RCB. GT lost Qualifier 1 to RCB at Dharamsala, then came back through Qualifier 2 at Mullanpur to earn their place at Ahmedabad.
Who are the captains for GT and RCB in the IPL 2026 final?
Shubman Gill captains the Gujarat Titans, and Rajat Patidar leads the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final.
Who is likely to be the Player of the Match tonight?
Our pick is Shubman Gill. He has scored 1,144 IPL runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium at an average of 54.47, with three centuries and five fifties at this ground. He scored a century in Qualifier 2 just two days ago. He is playing at his home ground, in a final, in front of 1.3 lakh fans. If GT wins tonight, and we believe they will, it will be because Shubman Gill produced another masterclass at the ground he loves most.
Where can I buy tickets for the IPL 2026 final?
Tickets are available on District by Zomato, the official ticketing partner for the IPL 2026 playoffs and final. Prices start from around ₹1,000 for budget upper-tier seats and go up to ₹60,000 for premium hospitality. Online booking is available through the District app and website.
Enjoy the IPL 2026 Final with Madhav Online Book!
Join Madhav Online Book and get match predictions, toss tips, and pitch reports before every match.
Contact Us on WhatsApp
