Ahmedabad, May 26: The IPL 2026 playoffs kick off today with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier One at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The high‑stakes clash begins at 7:30 PM IST, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, enter the knockout stage in strong form, having finished second on the points table. Key players Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and Rasikh Salam will be crucial in maintaining their title defense. Bengaluru’s batting depth and balanced bowling attack make them formidable contenders.
Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, secured third place in the league phase and are eager to replicate their 2022 championship run. With Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, and Mohit Sharma in their ranks, GT will rely on their all‑round strength to challenge RCB’s dominance.
The Qualifier One promises a packed stadium and high drama, as both sides aim for a direct ticket to the final. The losing team will still have another chance in Qualifier Two, but victory tonight ensures a smoother path to the trophy.
Fans can catch the live telecast on Star Sports Network and stream the match on JioHotstar in multiple languages. With Kohli and Gill leading the charge, cricket enthusiasts are bracing for a blockbuster playoff opener.
