Why the final draw of IPL 2026 left both RCB and GT smiling in Ahmedabad

RCB captain Rajat Patidar and GT captain Shubman Gill (PTI Photo) Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and opted to field first in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Both teams seemed happy.Without hesitation, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to chase on a surface he expects to be consistent throughout the contest.“We’re going to bowl first. It’s a pretty good wicket. The ball will go on the bat nicely, but to be honest, it won’t change in 40 overs. So we’ll try to get them as soon as possible.”The decision reflects RCB’s confidence in their ability to chase. The defending champions notched up some impressive totals this season and reached the final with one of the deepest batting line-ups in the competition.Interestingly, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill admitted that his side would also opt to bat first if they won the toss.“We would have batted first. A typical wicket, the third game we are playing here. In the first three overs, the fast bowlers could have made some moves.”Gill’s comments underscore why the draw suited both teams. While RCB preferred to chase on a batting-friendly surface, GT were happy to set the target on a pitch that consistently produced high scores. The mixed-ground No. 6 pitch has already hosted high-scoring contests and is expected to provide another excellent batting track for the title.Gill also confirmed one change in the Gujarat Titans lineup, with Arshad Khan replacing Sai Kishore.“We have one change. Arshad is coming for Sai.”Patidar, meanwhile, named an unchanged XI and stressed the importance of staying focused on the present despite memories of last year’s victorious campaign at the same venue.“A lot of memories of last year, but I think it was in 2025. It’s 2026. We have to do our best to win this game.”Teams:Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed SirajRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam DarWith a bats-friendly pitch, two formal sides and both captains seemingly happy with how the toss has unfolded, the stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.