Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the 2026 Indian Premier League final with a dominant 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala. Captain Rajat Patidar played a breathtaking knock of 93 not out off just 33 balls, propelling RCB to a mammoth 254-5—the highest total ever in an IPL playoff.
After being put in to bat, RCB were 94-3 in the ninth over after Virat Kohli fell for 43. But Patidar then unleashed a stunning assault, smashing nine sixes and five fours. His 126-run partnership with Krunal Pandya (41 off 22) came in just 40 balls as RCB plundered 126 runs in the final seven overs.
Chasing 255, Gujarat lost early wickets. Tournament leading run-scorer Sai Sudharsan was dismissed hit-wicket in the third over after his bat slipped and dislodged the bails. India Test captain Shubman Gill followed soon after. England's Jos Buttler hit 29 off 11 balls (four fours, two sixes) before being bowled by Josh Hazlewood. Rahul Tewatia fought with 68 off 43, but Gujarat folded for 162 in 19.3 overs. New Zealand's Jacob Duffy took 3-39.
Gujarat still have a second chance to reach Sunday's final. They will face the winner of Wednesday's eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.