Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into the IPL 2026 final after defeating the Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1. Defending the championship, they became the first team to seal a berth in the finale, which will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB recorded their biggest win (by runs) in IPL playoff history and became the fourth IPL team to reach the final for the second consecutive time. Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians are the other three teams to pull off the feat. Under Andy Flower’s guidance, RCB reached their fifth IPL final being dominant in all departments. Prior to their championship victory last year, RCB made a trip to the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

From Rajat Patidar’s batting masterclass to RCB’s bowling prowess, RCB was dominant the whole game reducing it to a just a one sided match. RCB registered the highest-ever score in playoff in the history of IPL with 254 after being sent to bat first by GT. Though the side suffered a mini collapse in the beginning, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya’s scintillating partnership in the middle overs didn’t let the game slip away. Patidar’s iconic knock of 93* in 33 balls did the job single-handedly, already putting GT in the backseat.

RCB bowlers did the rest as GT’s most reliable top three batsmen, Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharshan, and Jos Buttler, fell early within the powerplay, sending back half the team to the pavilion before even 6 overs. Wickets kept falling in daily succession with a feeling that GT won’t even cross 100, but it was Rahul Tewatia’s 68 in 43 balls that at least gave GT some respectable total to put in chase

Netizens on X term RCB’s win as ‘Massive’ as defending champions make way to finale

Netizens couldn’t hold back their excitement, witnessing RCB rise into the group of elites, reaching consecutive finals as defending champions. Some appreciated Head Coach Andy Flower’s tactics and influence in making this feat possible, while others lauded Rajat Patidar’s brilliance as a captain and batter to lead the team in the right way.

Let us have a look at some tweets:

 

Gujarat Titans will get another chance in Qualifier 2 to reclaim themselves, playing the team that wins the Eliminator.