Now the stage is set for a huge finale in the Indian Premier League 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are set for a fight for the title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
Both clubs would also be able to win their second IPL trophy, and it was likely to become even more meaningful for both teams to be able to win a title in what will be an electrifying title match between two of the strongest teams of the season.
RCB Aim for Back-to-Back Titles
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the final as defending champions and will be hoping to become the first team in IPL history to win titles twice. Only the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians have been able to defend their IPL title successfully.
RCB had finally ended their long wait for an IPL title in 2025, and another win would cement their status as one of the league’s elite teams. The Bengaluru-based side has been consistent all season too, and will go into the final with confidence after defeating the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.
This will be the fifth IPL final appearance for RCB after the club reached the summit clash in 2009, 2011, 2016 and 2025.
Gujarat Titans are seeking their historic achievement
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are also going to win their second IPL title in just five years after joining. The franchise had won its first title in 2022 under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, and another win this year under Shubman Gill would make GT the first team in IPL history to win its first two trophies under different captains.
RCB and GT had both won their first IPL titles at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, and this was more special in terms of the final for them as well.
The Titans have been one of the strongest home teams this season, with five out of their seven matches in Ahmedabad. Qualifier 2 win over Rajasthan Royals showed the batting firepower and momentum they carry into the final.
This will also be the Gujarat Titans’ third IPL final appearance after reaching the summit clash in 2022 and 2023.
History Favours Qualifier 1 Winners
The IPL has often rewarded teams that finish strongly in the league stage and win Qualifier 1. Interestingly, this marks the 13th time in 16 IPL seasons that the teams from Qualifier 1 will contest the final.
More importantly, the winner of Qualifier 1 has won the IPL trophy in each of the last 7 editions, a fact that favours Royal Challengers Bengaluru going into the title clash.
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans has developed into a competition over the years. During IPL history, the two teams have played nine matches against each other with RCB winning the most of them.
Overall Head-to-Head:
Matches Played: 9
RCB Won: 5
GT Won: 4
Matches in Ahmedabad:
Matches Played: 2
RCB Won: 1
GT Won: 1
Matches in IPL 2026:
Matches Played: 3
RCB Won: 2
GT Won: 1
IPL Playoff Meetings:
Matches Played: 1
RCB Won: 1
GT Won: 0
IPL 2026 Final: Date, Time and Venue
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Gujarat Titans.
- Date: May 31, 2026 (Sunday).
- Time: 7:30 PM IST.
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Ticket Details
The tickets to the IPL 2026 final went on sale on May 22 for exclusive access users and on May 23 for the general public. So fans can check the official IPL website and District app for further ticket availability and updates.
The IPL 2026 final will be a thriller between two traditional powerhouses of the league, with star players on both sides and massive fan support and a title on the line, so the final will be very emotional, and there will be more than a few things that will be played.
