Shubman Gill Falls To Josh Hazlewood As RCB Gain Early Edge Over GT In IPL 2026 Final | WATCH

RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) speedster Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill in the opening stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Sunday, May 31.

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Shubman Gill Departs Early In IPL 2026 Final

Gill made a steady start, striking two boundaries, but his stay at the crease was short-lived at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

On the second ball of the third over, Hazlewood delivered a short-of-length ball with extra bounce. Gill attempted a short-arm pull but mistimed it, slicing the shot high towards mid-off. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar positioned himself perfectly and completed a clean catch, sending the GT captain back early.

Gill managed just 10 runs off eight balls at a strike rate of 125.00, a major setback for the Titans in front of their home crowd.

In the 2026 edition of the IPL, Gill delivered a stellar season but failed to produce a big knock in the high-stakes final. The 26-year-old featured in 16 matches and innings, amassing 732 runs at a strike rate of 163.02 and an average of 45.75. He registered one century and six half-centuries in the 19th edition, while smashing 74 fours and 33 sixes.

At the toss in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB opted to bowl first against GT in the IPL 2026 final.

The Bengaluru side will look to defend their title at the same venue where they lifted their maiden trophy last year. Meanwhile, the Titans will enjoy strong home support as they chase their second crown.

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Here's How RCB, GT Reach IPL 2026 Final

RCB booked their spot in the final with a commanding 92-run win over GT in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26. Gujarat bounced back in Qualifier 2, defeating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Mullanpur on May 29 to secure their place in the summit clash.

In the league stage, RCB topped the table with 18 points and a net run rate of +0.783, while GT finished second with the same points but a slightly lower NRR of +0.695.