The HPCA stadium in Dharamsala will host the epic IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (May 26). The winner will punch its direct ticket for this season’s finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 31), while the loser will get another chance, facing the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Friday (May 29). The top two teams are ready to battle it out on a batting paradise in the picturesque Dharamsala. Here are the match preview and predicted playing XIs of both teams.<h2>Match Preview</h2>Dharamsala has seen three high-scoring games unfolding during the league matches, with teams scoring 200s for fun. A couple of tight games also made it exciting, further promising ultimate entertainment during this high-octane Qualifier 1.&nbsp; &nbsp;The two participating teams were the best throughout, accumulating 18 points each in 14 matches. With both being the most balanced units among the top four, the fans are guaranteed a blockbuster evening at the HPCA stadium.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-will-gt-repeat-2022-title-winning-feat-what-data-says-about-two-seasons-1779783037049">IPL 2026 | Will GT repeat 2022 title-winning feat - What data says about two seasons?</a> &nbsp;While the RCB could make just one change to their XI, bringing back Phil Salt at the top alongside icon Virat Kohli, with Venkatesh Iyer dropping down the order, GT could play their usual XI, with all fit and available for selection. &nbsp;Regardless of how strong their batting line-ups look, it’s the bowling that decides who reaches the final and who gets another chance. On one side, there is this new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, which has threatened even the best of batting outfits; on the other, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj have bowled with venom up front.&nbsp; &nbsp;However, the two spinners on each team's sheet, Rashid Khan (GT) and Suyash Sharma (RCB), and the first change quicks for the two teams, Rasikh Salam (RCB) and either of Prasidh Krishna or Arshad Khan for GT, will eventually hold the keys.<h3>Predicted Playing XIs of both teams –</h3>RCB – Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma &nbsp;GT – Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna

Direct ticket to the IPL 2026 Final on the line! Check out the RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 match preview, pitch report, and predicted playing XIs for the epic Dharamshala clash.

The HPCA stadium in Dharamsala will host the epic IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (May 26). The winner will punch its direct ticket for this season’s finale in Ahmedabad on Sunday (May 31), while the loser will get another chance, facing the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on Friday (May 29). The top two teams are ready to battle it out on a batting paradise in the picturesque Dharamsala. Here are the match preview and predicted playing XIs of both teams. Match Preview Dharamsala has seen three high-scoring games unfolding during the league matches, with teams scoring 200s for fun. A couple of tight games also made it exciting, further promising ultimate entertainment during this high-octane Qualifier 1. The two participating teams were the best throughout, accumulating 18 points each in 14 matches. With both being the most balanced units among the top four, the fans are guaranteed a blockbuster evening at the HPCA stadium. Also read | IPL 2026 | Will GT repeat 2022 title-winning feat - What data says about two seasons? While the RCB could make just one change to their XI, bringing back Phil Salt at the top alongside icon Virat Kohli, with Venkatesh Iyer dropping down the order, GT could play their usual XI, with all fit and available for selection. Regardless of how strong their batting line-ups look, it’s the bowling that decides who reaches the final and who gets another chance. On one side, there is this new-ball pair of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, which has threatened even the best of batting outfits; on the other, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj have bowled with venom up front. However, the two spinners on each team's sheet, Rashid Khan (GT) and Suyash Sharma (RCB), and the first change quicks for the two teams, Rasikh Salam (RCB) and either of Prasidh Krishna or Arshad Khan for GT, will eventually hold the keys. Predicted Playing XIs of both teams – RCB – Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma GT – Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna

Direct ticket to the IPL 2026 Final on the line! Check out the RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 match preview, pitch report, and predicted playing XIs for the epic Dharamshala clash.

Straight to IPL 2026 Final! RCB and GT set for epic Qualifier 1 in picturesque Dharamsala

Ahead of Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 clash, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar said that handling pressure situations and sticking to the team’s game plan will be crucial when they take on Gujarat Titans at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The two sides finished level in their head-to-head meetings during the league stage this season; RCB securing a five-wicket win in the first encounter at home before Gujarat Titans bounced back with a four-wicket victory in the return fixture.&nbsp;With a place in the final at stake, Patidar stressed the importance of staying composed in high-pressure moments.&nbsp;"Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match," Patidar said as per a press release from RCB.&nbsp;"It is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing," he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-india-odi-world-cup-hero-harmanpreet-kaur-receives-padma-shri-at-rashtrapati-bhavan-president-droupadi-murmu-1779722685558">WATCH: World Cup hero Harmanpreet Kaur receives Padma Shri at Rashtrapati Bhavan</a>&nbsp;Patidar also highlighted RCB’s bowling attack as a major strength this season, especially during the powerplay overs.&nbsp;“Our strength is bowling, and the way we bowl in the power play will be very crucial,” said Patidar.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking and we will look for early wickets. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing and we hope to continue in the same process," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Reflecting on his own captaincy journey, Patidar credited the support system around him and the experience available within the group. "To be honest, I do not need to do so much extra," he said. "Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience, and that is helping me a lot as a leader," he added.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday (May 26).

Ahead of Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 clash, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar said that handling pressure situations and sticking to the team’s game plan will be crucial when they take on Gujarat Titans at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The two sides finished level in their head-to-head meetings during the league stage this season; RCB securing a five-wicket win in the first encounter at home before Gujarat Titans bounced back with a four-wicket victory in the return fixture. With a place in the final at stake, Patidar stressed the importance of staying composed in high-pressure moments. "Both teams have done really well throughout the season. On the given day, whichever team executes their plans better, plays better cricket and stays calmer under pressure, I think that team will win the match," Patidar said as per a press release from RCB. "It is a big stage, Qualifier 1. We must hold our nerves and be confident in whatever we are doing," he added. Also Read - WATCH: World Cup hero Harmanpreet Kaur receives Padma Shri at Rashtrapati Bhavan Patidar also highlighted RCB’s bowling attack as a major strength this season, especially during the powerplay overs. “Our strength is bowling, and the way we bowl in the power play will be very crucial,” said Patidar. "Everyone in the team knows that we are not here to defend, we are here with the mindset of attacking and we will look for early wickets. That is what Bhuvi, Hazlewood and Rasikh have been doing and we hope to continue in the same process," he added. Reflecting on his own captaincy journey, Patidar credited the support system around him and the experience available within the group. "To be honest, I do not need to do so much extra," he said. "Our management, coaching staff and senior players have a lot of experience, and that is helping me a lot as a leader," he added. With inputs from agencies

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday (May 26).

'Not here to defend...': Rajat Patidar confident ahead of RCB’s Qualifier 1 clash

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Straight to IPL 2026 Final! RCB and GT set for epic Qualifier 1 in picturesque Dharamsala

'Not here to defend...': Patidar confident ahead of RCB’s Qualifier 1 clash