Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered one of their most dominant playoff performances in IPL history after thrashing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 to book a direct place in the IPL 2026 final.
Playing in Dharamsala, RCB piled up a massive 254/5 — the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match — before completely dismantling Gujarat’s batting lineup. Rajat Patidar stole the show with a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, while contributions from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya helped RCB dominate from start to finish.
Rajat Patidar’s Blazing Knock Changes the Game
RCB’s innings exploded after the powerplay as Patidar launched a brutal assault on the GT bowlers. His 33-ball innings included a flurry of boundaries and towering sixes that completely shifted the momentum in Bengaluru’s favor.
Kohli added a quick 43 off 25 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal also played an aggressive cameo during an important partnership that kept the run rate soaring. Even when GT briefly fought back through Jason Holder’s double strike, RCB never slowed down.
By the end of 20 overs, Gujarat Titans were staring at a near-impossible chase of 255.
Gujarat Titans Collapse Under Pressure
The massive target proved too much for Gujarat as wickets kept falling at regular intervals. RCB’s bowling attack delivered early breakthroughs and never allowed GT’s dangerous batting unit to settle.
At one stage, Gujarat were struggling badly at 70/6 inside 10 overs. Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a counter-attacking 68, but the match was already slipping away rapidly. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and the rest of the RCB bowling unit wrapped things up comfortably as GT were bowled out for 162.
The result officially sent RCB into back-to-back IPL finals and strengthened hopes among fans that the franchise could finally end its long wait for a title.
Fans Celebrate RCB’s Dominance Online
Social media exploded immediately after the win, with Reddit threads filling up with excitement, memes, and reactions from cricket fans across the world.
Many supporters praised RCB’s fearless batting approach and playoff mentality, while others joked about how dangerous the team suddenly looks heading into the final. One fan wrote that “RCB playing with a playoffs specialist” gave them a major edge, while another admitted being “so scared” before the match due to the pressure of a knockout game.
Several fans also highlighted Patidar’s captaincy and explosive innings as one of the biggest playoff performances in recent IPL memory. Others praised Kohli’s aggressive intent early in the innings, which helped RCB build momentum quickly.
Meanwhile, Gujarat supporters remained hopeful about a comeback in Qualifier 2, where GT will get another opportunity to fight for a place in the final.
RCB One Step Away From IPL Glory
RCB’s all-round performance has now made them one of the strongest favorites to win IPL 2026. Their batting lineup looks fearless, the bowling attack has found rhythm at the perfect time, and key players are stepping up in pressure moments.
For Gujarat Titans, the defeat was painful, but their campaign is still alive thanks to the playoff format. With stars like Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and Rashid Khan still in the squad, GT remain dangerous heading into the next knockout clash.
But for now, the night belonged completely to RCB — and especially to Rajat Patidar, whose stunning innings may go down as one of the greatest playoff knocks in IPL history.
