RCB vs GT Live Score, IPL 2026 Playoffs: King Kohli faces prince Shubman in Qualifier 1

RCB and GT have played two games this season.

RCB dominated their fixture in Bengaluru, while Gujarat dominated theirs in Ahmedabad.

Both teams, when on song are incredible sides in both halves of the innings. Gujarat have a bowling attack like no other, and RCB have assembled a ridiculous ensemble of batters.

Akshay reports that RCB opener Phil Salt is unlikely to play the game.

Captain Rajat Patidar said yesterday that the opener is touch and go due to his finger injury.

Akshay, says that both Josh Hazlewood and Jacob Duffy are likely to play this game.

Our reporter Akshay is at the stadium and says that it is really really hot. Google says that it is just 21 degrees Celcius there but at 5000ft, that sun really burns the skin.

Akshay Ramesh notes in his preview that the two teams are evenly matched, with a 4–4 head-to-head record. However, Gujarat Titans will be playing their first-ever game at Dharamsala, which could be a factor.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, on the other hand, have already featured here this season and are more familiar with the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association conditions, which may give them a slight edge.

Defending champions RCB have topped the league table in dominant fashion, winning 9 of their 14 games. Under Rajat Patidar's quietly assured captaincy, RCB have played with a composure that had long eluded this franchise.

Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, head into this knockout clash with strong momentum after hammering Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs in their final league game. Getting there directly is the goal as they have been dominant at home this season.

Akshay Ramesh reports from inside the venue that it is extremely hot out there, with conditions testing everyone. The pitch remains under covers, preventing it from drying out too much ahead of play.

Historically, night matches in Dharamsala have favoured chasing sides, with the surface offering early grip before easing under lights. Add the small outfield and thin mountain air, and defending totals becomes tricky, though clear weather today should ensure a result.

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association will provide free drinking water and Wi-Fi facilities to fans at the venue amid the gruelling heat, as Akshay Ramesh brings us the latest update.

Akshay Ramesh joins us from the picturesque venue, where the atmosphere is already buzzing.

Fans have started pouring in, and right now it’s Virat Kohli supporters dominating the scenes outside the gates.

Virat Kohli versus Shubman Gill. King versus Prince will be the talk of the town.

The stakes could not be higher. When Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans walk out at the HPCA Stadium on Tuesday evening, the prize on offer is as simple as it is tantalising: a direct passage to the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on May 31.

The loser drops to Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on May 29 for another bite at the cherry, but nobody enters a knockout wanting the longer road.