RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: ‘It’s got to be a battle’ – Gujarat Titans warn of big clash

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli (BCCI/IPL Photo) NEW DELHI: The stage is set for the biggest clash of the Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on Tuesday. The winner will seal a direct place in the final, while the losing side will get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.Ahead of the high-stakes clash, GT assistant coach Vijay Dahiya described the encounter as a real battle between two quality teams.“The moment you say a battle, yes it has to be a battle, it’s between these two teams we’ve met twice in this edition and it’s 1-1, they’re both really good sides. Yes, you can say that and equally balanced, some big players on both sides and both teams playing as a unit, I think that’s what stands out about both teams,” GT assistant coach Vijay Dashiya said of the clash.RCB and GT finished first and second in the points table with 18 points, separated only by pure run rate. The two teams have also split the honors 1-1 this season, while their overall record against each other stands at 4-4.While RCB are eyeing back-to-back IPL titles after ending their long wait for the trophy last season, GT will be hoping to recreate the magic of their dream debut campaign in 2022 when they lifted the title in their first season.Bowling units could decide on qualification 1Both teams boast explosive batting line-ups, but Dahiya believes the bowling could play a decisive role in the knockout clash.The top two spots in the top wicket-taker list were occupied by bowlers from RCB and GT.RCB pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and GT speedster Kagiso Rabada have picked up 24 wickets each this season and will bear the responsibility of leading their respective bowling attacks in the big game.“I think at the end of the day you see teams putting runs on the board, but at the end of the day you have to have a solid bowling unit and that’s there. But the other thing that’s very important if you see both sides, the consistency in terms of the bowling unit is there a lot.“And that faith in the bowlers and the faith of the captain or the management in those bowlers or the bowling unit, you hardly see any change on either side and I think that’s true.”Kohli, Gill and Sai Sudharsan in the limelightDahiya also highlighted the importance of Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan ahead of the sensational clash.Kohli has been in great touch this season, scoring 557 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.63 and a strike rate of 163.82. He also has one century and four half-centuries to his credit.On the other hand, Gill and Sudharsan are the best players of the tournament so far. Gill amassed 616 runs in 13 matches at an average of 47.38 and a strike rate of 161.67, while Sudharsan scored 638 runs at an average of 49.08 and a strike rate of 157.92.“Absolutely, those three are going to play a very, very vital role and one thing you mentioned, well you mentioned those three names, and that tells you if you’re very strong technically and also mentally, all three names, if you want to put them in the class, are there. Very very mentally strong and they can change the game depending on the format.”“That’s what they did. But you have to have it in you to change according to the situation, according to the format, and all three of them did that.”The former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman had special praise for captain GT Gill.“Virat Kohli has done it more than anyone else because he has played a lot more than the other two names you sent.“But this season, the way Shubham Gill has played, I think he will tell you how strong he is not only technically but mentally and he can change his game according to the situation and the format demands.”Big kudos to SirajDahiya reserved special praise for GT pacer Mohammed Siraj, who was one of the best bowlers of the season.Siraj has taken 17 wickets in 14 matches this season and is constantly troubling the batsmen with his variations and aggressive bowling.“You said one thing, the type of character he is, he directs all his energy towards one goal.“I think that’s very important and he’s got a very capable partner at the other end as well. The chemistry between the two of them is phenomenal, not just on the field but off the field. I think they understand each other, not just mentally, I think skill-wise.”“They understand the game very well, how the game goes and what I have to do, how I have to finish my turns to be my partner. I can start in a different way. I think that’s what stands out.”Dahiya also praised head coach Ashish Nehru for leading the bowling group brilliantly.“Normally when you talk about partnerships, it’s mostly about the batting, but I think they have a very good partnership and a lot of credit goes to Ashish Nair for the way he handles both of them.“Different pressure playing for their different international side, but they’re both top-class bowlers and I think they’re doing really, really well.”Dharamsala pitch and spin factorWith Dharamsala known for producing high-scoring encounters due to the altitude, Dahiya admitted that spinners might not play a major role.Dharamsala hosted three league stage matches this season and all turned out to be high-scoring contests, with teams regularly crossing the 200-run mark at the scenic venue.RCB have already played one match at the venue this season and registered 23 wins over Punjab Kings, while GT will be playing here for the first time this year.“I think everybody sees that. Not just us. Ever since you start playing IPL games in Dharamshala or other games that we’ve seen played here, at high altitude, we know that the number of sixes is much more here than at any other place.”“Some are in Bangalore as well, but that’s one thing here. I think it all depends on the dynamic, what kind of surface you get here, but you’re absolutely right. It doesn’t play much of a role for the Spinners, but they come into it.”However, he backed experienced spinners from both camps to still impress.“I think that’s where the quality of Spin on both sides lies. The spinners you’ve got on both sides are two very mature spinners in both teams and I think they’ll play their part regardless of the surface.”