Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 26. The comprehensive triumph ensured that the defending champions became the first team to secure a place in the final. After winning the toss at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, GT captain Shubman Gill opted to bowl first.
RCB responded with a batting masterclass, spearheaded by skipper Rajat Patidar, who remained unbeaten on a blistering 93 from just 33 deliveries. Virat Kohli contributed a quickfire 43 off 25 balls, while Krunal Pandya added 43 from 28 deliveries as Bengaluru piled up an imposing 254/5 in their 20 overs. In reply, Gujarat never gained momentum and lost five wickets during the powerplay.
Rahul Tewatia’s fighting knock of 68 off 43 balls stood out as the lone bright spot in an otherwise disappointing chase. GT were eventually bundled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. Jacob Duffy starred with three wickets, while Rasikh Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Krunal Pandya claimed two wickets apiece.
The emphatic victory sparked widespread reactions from fans and cricket experts, many of whom took to X to praise RCB’s dominant display in the high-stakes encounter. Here are some twitter reactions:
RCB didn’t just reach the final, they earned every inch of this journey.
Preliminary stage, playoffs, final, whatever you call it,
this team walked through everything with belief. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/BbdPUnFv0E— KRIK-MATE👑 (@krik90mate) May 26, 2026
🚨 HISTORY FOR RCB 🚨
– RCB now becomes the 3rd Most successful teams to Qualify for Finals in IPL History (5* times). 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2Xo9vY3ARB
— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 26, 2026
RCB ki is badi jeet ka sabse bada FACT 👀🔥
GT ke captain Shubman Gill sirf 2 run banakar out 😶
Aur wahi RCB ke captain Rajat Patidar ne 33 ball me 93 run ki bemisaal tufani pari khel di 💥🏏
Captain vs Captain me Patidar ne pura game hi palat diya ❤️👑 pic.twitter.com/HeeLnYaEgE— Pramod sahu (@PramodK08555177) May 26, 2026
When you realize Qualifier 1 winners have won the last 8 IPL finals pic.twitter.com/cfMqFl7DWz
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 26, 2026
RCB – Final Match Confirmed
Eliminator – SRH vs RR
Q2 – GT vs Eliminator winner. pic.twitter.com/L77xcdwmIP
— Cricket Capital (@CricketCapital7) May 27, 2026
Bhuvneshwar Kumar said, "A few years ago, I lacked confidence because my place in the team felt uncertain. But the RCB environment helped me believe in my abilities again. A positive environment always brings out the best in a player." ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/a27QNCx2Ia
— Faruk (@uf2151593) May 27, 2026
🚨 ANGRY STATEMENT BY GLENN PHILLIPS AFTER LOSS VS RCB ON JOURNALIST 🚨
Question – "GT had mentally given up after seeing RCB score 254 ?".
Glenn Phillips – "That's a silly question. That is a really silly question. No one goes in there waiting to go. Oh, you know what ? We're… pic.twitter.com/dJVkcU2i6a
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) May 27, 2026
RCB have booked their spot in the IPL 2026 final and will face the Qualifier 2 winner at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
Rajat Patidar Opens Up on RCB’s Approach for IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
Rajat Patidar said that RCB entered the match with the intention of maintaining a positive approach. He revealed that the team had discussed in their pre-match meeting the importance of playing aggressively and keeping the opposition under constant pressure. Speaking during the post-match presentation, the 32-year-old said (via Cricbuzz):
“It was a super game for us, and the way, especially the batsmen dominated in this game, the way everyone was striking with intent, that was good for us. It’s not a clear plan (to go after the GT bowlers), but we’re ready for it because you have to show some body language that we are coming for you.”
“That was there in every batsman. So we had a chat in the meeting, we have to give a good body language and the attacking mindset. It was a big stage, Qualifier 1, the way we played, the way we dominated in this game, I think that was superb.”
Meanwhile, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at Mullanpur on Wednesday, May 27. The victorious side will then meet Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, scheduled to be played at the same venue on Friday.
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