IPL 2026: RCB vs GT, Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala – Stats & player battles to watch

After a roller coaster ride of 70 matches across 13 venues, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has entered its business end. Four teams have cemented their berths in the playoffs, and the final round of games is set to get underway with Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT). 

Both teams have played each other twice this season. While RCB beat Titans by five wickets in their first meeting at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, GT avenged the loss at home, getting the better of the defending champions by four wickets.

The head-to-head record between both sides stands at 4-4 after eight games. Therefore, there isn't much that separates the two.
 
RCB are sweating over the fitness of Phil Salt, who hurt a finger on his left hand in match No. 26 against Delhi Capitals and had to fly to the UK for treatment.

Though he has joined the squad, there are still concerns regarding his fitness as he races against time to be battle-ready for the marquee clash. If Salt doesn't make it, it would present another opportunity as an opener for Venkatesh Iyer.

Player battles to watch out for in RCB vs GT, Qualifier 1

1. Virat Kohli vs Kagiso Rabada

2. Phil Salt vs Mohammed Siraj

3. Tim David vs Prasidh Krishna

4. Shubman Gill vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar

5. Jos Buttler vs Josh Hazlewood 

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium Overview

RCB vs GT IPL Stats at HPCA Stadium

Tactical Insight

RCB vs GT Head-to-Head record in IPL