RCB will be looking to reach the IPL final for the second time in a row after finishing the league stage at the top of the standings, while GT will be hoping to reach the final for the third time in its history and first time since the 2023 season. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)
New Delhi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the first qualifier of IPL 2026 on Tuesday at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.RCB will be looking to reach the IPL final for the second time in a row after finishing the league stage at the top of the standings, while GT will be hoping to reach the final for the third time in its history and first time since the 2023 season.
According to meteorological forecasts, the chances of rain during the match are slim, as the chances of rain an hour before the match reach more than 50 percent.However, as the day progresses, play is less likely to be halted in Dharamshala on Tuesday evening due to rain.However, if rain spoils the game and continues for too long during the match, it is possible for the match to be abandoned as both teams have to play at least five overs to achieve a result.What happens if RCB vs GT match is cancelledIn case the match is finished completely, there are no reserve days for the IPL 2026 qualifiers and qualifiers.The winner of the match will be determined based on the team’s position in the league stage. As for today’s match, a loss will give RCB a chance to defend their title in the final as they finished the league stage at the top of the standings.For GT, elimination will see the Shubman Gill-led team qualify for the second qualifier, where they will meet the winner of the Eliminator.
It would be a bit bad, as the two-time finalist would miss out on a final spot outright, having finished second in the points table in the league stage.Preparing for this high-stakes competition carries powerful narratives. RCB enters the qualifiers with a stable top ranking, boosted by the return of Englishman Phil Salt, who is known to have regained his fitness ahead of the clash. The bowling attack will be led by Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar.While GT relies heavily on the opening duo of skipper Gill and left-hander Sai Sudarshan, they also have a formidable fast bowling line-up, managed by the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.
