Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 26. The great triumph ensured that the defending champions became the primary team to secure a spot in the ultimate. After winning the toss on 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 of their 20 overs. In reply, Gujarat never gained momentum and lost five wickets in the course of the powerplay.
Rahul Tewatia’s fighting knock of 68 off 43 balls stood out because the lone vibrant 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, a lot of whom took to X to praise RCB’s dominant display within the high-stakes encounter. Listed here are some twitter reactions:
RCB didn’t just reach the ultimate, they earned every inch of this journey.
Preliminary stage, playoffs, final, whatever you call it,
this team walked through every little thing with belief. ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/BbdPUnFv0E— KRIK-MATE👑 (@krik90mate) May 26, 2026
🚨 HISTORY FOR RCB 🚨
– RCB now becomes the third 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
If 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, “Just a few years ago, I lacked confidence because my place within the team felt uncertain. However the RCB environment helped me consider in my abilities again. A positive environment all the time brings out one of 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 🚨
Query – “GT had mentally given up after seeing RCB rating 254 ?”.
Glenn Phillips – “That is a silly query. That could be a really silly query. Nobody goes in there waiting to go. Oh, what ? We’re… pic.twitter.com/dJVkcU2i6a
— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) May 27, 2026
RCB have booked their spot within the IPL 2026 final and can face the Qualifier 2 winner on 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 of their pre-match meeting the importance of playing aggressively and keeping the opposition under constant pressure. Speaking in the course of the post-match presentation, the 32-year-old said (via Cricbuzz):
“It was a brilliant game for us, and the way in which, especially the batsmen dominated on this game, the way in which everyone was striking with intent, that was good for us. It’s not a transparent plan (to go after the GT bowlers), but we’re ready for it because you’ve got to indicate some body language that we’re coming for you.”
“That was there in every batsman. So we had a chat within the meeting, we’ve to provide a great body language and the attacking mindset. It was a giant stage, Qualifier 1, the way in which we played, the way in which we dominated on this game, I feel that was superb.”
Meanwhile, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) are set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) within 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 identical venue on Friday.
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