RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans could be underprepared for the high-voltage IPL 2026 final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on May 31, Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Titans, who booked their place in the final after beating the Rajasthan Royals in Mullanpur on Friday, reportedly arrived in Ahmedabad only after 10:00 PM the following day, seemingly leaving them with very little time for training.
RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Why did Gujarat Titans arrive late in Ahmedabad?
Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans were embroiled in travel chaos as sudden storms in Chandigarh delayed their flight from Mullanpur. As a result, the 2022 champions reached Ahmedabad reportedly after 10:00 PM, 24 hours before the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While they beat the Royals convincingly, late arrival to Ahmedabad leaves the Titans could leave them underprepared. By contrast, the Royal Challengers have been training at the Narendra Modi Stadium since Wednesday since they booked their spot in the final after defeating the Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1. Less preparation time could become a massive hindrance in the tournament-decider for the home side.
RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Will Shubman Gill join Hardik Pandya and lift the trophy?
Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has the opportunity to join Hardik Pandya as the captain to lift the trophy for the Titans, with the latter achieving it in 2022. While the Royal Challengers will come with a stern challenge, the Titans have the advantage of playing on a surface they know very well. Their pace trio of Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj will be vital if they are to keep a batting line-up consisting of Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma quiet.
Meanwhile, a win for the Royal Challengers will mean that Patidar will join Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni as captains to have defended the IPL title successfully. The right-handed batter will also become the first skipper to win back-to-back titles in his first two years as captain. Nevertheless, the Royal Challengers may not necessarily start as favourites despite being defending champions due to the match being hosted by the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Whatever the result, it promises to be a cracking contest on Sunday.
