Titans take on champions: Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar chase legacy as GT and RCB eye 2nd IPL crown

Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar (BCCI/IPL Photo) AHMEDABAD: There was a lot of heartbreak as Rajasthan Royals lost by seven wickets against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on Friday night, denying fans the chance to see new cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in his maiden IPL final. However, few will deny that Sunday’s summit clash promises to be a compelling contest between two of IPL 2026’s best and most consistent teams.Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are chasing their second consecutive title, will take on the 2022 winners and host Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Beyond the trophy, the stakes are even higher: the winner could well establish themselves as the next dominant force in the IPL, much like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians did in their era. RCB in particular will be looking to become only the third side after these two heavyweights to win back-to-back titles. On paper, it’s an even contest. Both teams are led by captains in scintillating form, each knocking on the door of the Indian T20I side and inspiring their teams with contrasting yet effective leadership styles. Rajat Patidar’s calm and understated approach has brought stability to RCB in two seasons and they are now on the verge of joining MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as the only captains to defend the IPL crown.The 32-year-old Madhya Pradesh batsman backed up his leadership with excellent numbers, amassing 486 runs in 14 matches at an average of 44.18 and a staggering strike rate of 196.76, including five fifties. Long known for his prowess against spin, Patidar has added another dimension this season by dismantling pace attacks with equal ease.The other captain, Shubman Gill, seems determined to reclaim his place in India’s T20 set-up.The classy opener was sublime, amassing 722 runs in 15 matches at 48.13 with a strike rate of 163.71. Both captains reached the final on the back of definitive knocks: Patidar’s blistering 93 off 33 balls powered RCB to a 92-run victory over GT in Qualifier 1, while Gill’s majestic 104 for 53 guided the Titans past Rajasthan Royals with authority in Qualifier 2.Gill and opening partner Sai Sudharsan may not attack in the manner of some of the league’s younger players, but their method is no less effective. Their fluid stroke play and ability to bat deep was on full display in their 167-run stand as they chased down 215 in Qualifier 2. Sudharsan, with 710 runs at an average of 47.33 and a strike rate of 159, is also in contention for the Orange Cap, along with Gill.With Jos Buttler (507 runs) providing solidity at No.3, Gujarat Titans boast a top order that rarely fails. However, RCB can match this firepower with a formidable batting line-up featuring Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer and Patidar. The champions consistently top 200, helped in part by bat-friendly surfaces but backed by fearless intent.The match could ultimately depend on the bowlers and both teams have strong pace attacks. RCB’s biggest strengths lie in the experience and acumen of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. Bhuvneshwar has been exceptional, picking up 26 wickets at 18.15 with an economy of 8.00, while Hazlewood’s ability to strike early makes him a vital weapon against GT’s top order. With the support of Rasikh Salam and all-rounder Krunal Pandya, the RCB attack has both depth and variety.Gujarat Titans boast the most complete bowling unit in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada leads the pack with 28 wickets and clocks 150km/h consistently. Rashid Khan, Jason Holder and Prasidh Krishna provide capable support. Home advantage could play a role, the Titans have won five out of seven matches in Ahmedabad this season. Still, RCB enter the final with a slight head start as they enjoyed more rest last year and the confidence to win the title at this venue.