Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 on Monday, May 26, 2026, at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
Vs
HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
26 May 2026 07:30 PM
The winner goes straight to the IPL 2026 Final (May 31, Ahmedabad), while the loser gets a second chance in Qualifier 2 (May 29, Mullanpur).
For your Dream11 team, Virat Kohli is the safest captain pick as the defending champions’ talisman with 478+ runs this season, while Venkatesh Iyer works as a high-ceiling vice-captain pick who can contribute with both bat and ball on Dharamsala’s altitude-assisted surface.
RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 Match Details
| Match Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Match | RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 |
| Date | Monday, May 26, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, JioHotstar |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| GT Captain | Shubman Gill |
| Stakes | Winner qualifies for IPL 2026 Final directly |
Our Dream11 Team Recommendation for RCB vs GT Qualifier 1
- Dream11 Team 1
- Dream11 Team 2
- Dream11 Team 3
Our Dream11 Team Recommendation for RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 (2nd Innings)
The points start after the 2nd innings begins, so build your team based on the 2nd innings only.
- Dream11 Team 1 (2nd Innings)
- Dream11 Team 2 (2nd Innings)
- Dream11 Team 3 (2nd Innings)
RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 Weather Reports
| Weather Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Daytime High | 28°C |
| Match-Time Temp | 18-22°C (cool mountain evening; perfect for cricket) |
| Humidity | 40-55% |
| Wind Speed | 8-12 km/h |
| Rain Probability | < 10% (mostly clear) |
| Sky Condition | Clear with snow-capped Dhauladhar range as backdrop |
| Dew Factor | Low (altitude reduces dew formation) |
| Match Interruption Risk | Low (reserve day available if needed) |
Pitch Report for HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
| Pitch Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Batting-Friendly (altitude aids carry; ball travels further) |
| Avg 1st Innings Score (IPL 2026) | 200+ (multiple 200+ totals posted at this venue this season) |
| Boundary Length | Standard; high altitude makes clearing boundaries easier |
| 200+ Totals | Extremely frequent; altitude ensures consistent high scoring |
| Toss Decision | Bat first preferred (teams batting first won 6 of last 7 here) |
| Pace Assist | Good swing and seam; cooler air and altitude aid movement |
| Spin Assist | Limited; ball tends to skid through; batters find timing easier |
| Dew Effect | Minimal; altitude reduces dew compared to plains |
Injury Updates
RCB Topped the Table: The defending champions finished 1st with 18 points (9W-5L), separated from GT only by NRR. Bhuvneshwar Kumar holds the Purple Cap with 22+ wickets, and Virat Kohli anchored the batting with 478+ runs. RCB’s bowling attack (Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya) is the most balanced in the tournament.
GT Finished 2nd: Also on 18 points but with a lower NRR than RCB. Shubman Gill (462+ runs) and Sai Sudharsan have been GT’s batting backbone. Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan lead a bowling attack that improved dramatically in the second half of the season.
Playoff Context: Both teams have the luxury of a second chance even if they lose. The loser plays the Eliminator winner in Qualifier 2 (May 29, Mullanpur). However, the winner gets 5 full days of rest before the Final on May 31 in Ahmedabad (GT’s home ground).
Season Storylines: PBKS’ historic collapse from 7-0 to missing playoffs. KKR’s remarkable 0-6 to winning 6 of 7 (but falling short). RR qualified on the final day beating MI by 30 runs. This has been the most dramatic IPL league stage ever.
RCB vs GT Head-to-Head
| Category | RCB | GT |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2026 League Wins | 9 Wins | 9 Wins |
| H2H Highest Total | 206/5 (April 2026) | 205/3 (April 2026) |
| H2H Lowest Total | 155 All Out (April 2026) | 147/8 (May 2024) |
| Overall H2H Played | 8 Matches | 8 Matches |
| Overall H2H Wins | 4 Wins | 4 Wins |
In 10 IPL meetings, RCB and GT are perfectly tied at 4-4. This season, both teams have traded wins, making this a genuinely unpredictable contest. RCB won at Raipur while GT won at Ahmedabad. Dharamsala is a neutral venue for both teams.
GT have the psychological advantage of playing the Final at their home ground (Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad) if they win. That carrot of a home final could be the difference in a close contest.
RCB are the defending champions and have the most experienced playoff campaigner in Virat Kohli. His record in knockout matches (112* in the 2022 Eliminator, 51 in the 2024 Qualifier 2) speaks for itself.
Suggested Reads:
Key Players to Watch in RCB vs GT Qualifier 1, IPL 2026
| Player | Team | Role | Key Insights & Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter | 478+ runs this season. Knockout pedigree: 112* in 2022 Eliminator, 51 in 2024 Q2. |
| Shubman Gill | GT | Batter | 462+ runs, 1,000+ IPL runs at Ahmedabad. GT captain who thrives under pressure. |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | Bowler | Purple Cap holder with 22+ wickets. RCB’s most important player. His seam movement at Dharamsala’s altitude with cooler air could be devastating. |
| Kagiso Rabada | GT | Bowler | GT’s premier pace weapon consistently clocking 145+. His new-ball swing and death-over yorkers on Dharamsala’s true surface make him GT’s most dangerous bowler. |
| Jos Buttler | GT | WK-Batter | 3,000+ IPL runs at SR 150+. The ultimate big-match player. His 124 off 64 in the IPL 2022 Q2 powered RR to the final. |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Bowler | RCB’s premier overseas pacer. His nagging length and powerplay control are perfectly suited to Dharamsala’s conditions. |
