Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David has been suspended for one match by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The suspension will take effect in the opening game of the IPL 2027 season. According to an official IPL statement, David was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct.&nbsp;The regulation relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match."&nbsp;As per the statement, the incident occurred in the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings when David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of on-field umpire Nitin Menon. The Australian batter accepted responsibility for the offence and agreed to the penalty imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-w-vs-eng-w-3rd-t20i-when-and-where-to-watch-live-streaming-in-india-1780321440408">IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India?</a>&nbsp;The sanction carries further consequences because it was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season; he had previously accumulated one demerit point in match 20 and two more in match 54. With the latest breach adding another two points, his season tally has reached five demerit points, which has led to an automatic one-match suspension.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-approves-red-to-pink-ball-switch-in-tests-to-reduce-bad-light-interruptions-1780323727292">ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions</a>&nbsp;As a result, David will be unavailable for the first match of IPL 2027, regardless of which franchise he represents. Earlier in the tournament, he was also penalised for refusing to hand the ball back to the umpire during a league-stage fixture.&nbsp;Despite the disciplinary setback, David played a crucial role in RCB’s successful title defence, contributing 305 runs at an impressive strike rate of 188.27. The Bengaluru side defeated Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium to retain the championship on Sunday (May 31).

Tim David banned for one match by BCCI after umpire incident in IPL 2026 final; here’s what happened

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Tim David has been suspended for one match by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after violating the IPL Code of Conduct during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad. The suspension will take effect in the opening game of the IPL 2027 season. According to an official IPL statement, David was fined 50 per cent of his match fee and handed two demerit points for committing a Level 1 offence under Article 2.9 of the Code of Conduct. The regulation relates to “throwing a ball (or any other item of cricket equipment such as a water bottle) at or near a Player, Team Official, Umpire, Match Referee or any other third person in an inappropriate and/or dangerous manner during a Match." As per the statement, the incident occurred in the 10th over of Gujarat Titans’ innings when David threw an ice bag aggressively in the direction of on-field umpire Nitin Menon. The Australian batter accepted responsibility for the offence and agreed to the penalty imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath. Also Read - IND-W vs ENG-W, 3rd T20I: When and where to watch live streaming in India? The sanction carries further consequences because it was David’s third Level 1 offence of the season; he had previously accumulated one demerit point in match 20 and two more in match 54. With the latest breach adding another two points, his season tally has reached five demerit points, which has led to an automatic one-match suspension. Also Read - ICC approves red-to-pink ball switch in Tests to reduce bad-light interruptions As a result, David will be unavailable for the first match of IPL 2027, regardless of which franchise he represents. Earlier in the tournament, he was also penalised for refusing to hand the ball back to the umpire during a league-stage fixture. Despite the disciplinary setback, David played a crucial role in RCB’s successful title defence, contributing 305 runs at an impressive strike rate of 188.27. The Bengaluru side defeated Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium to retain the championship on Sunday (May 31).

Tim David banned for one match by BCCI after umpire incident in IPL 2026 final; here’s what happened

Why did Tim David receive a fine & one-match ban after IPL Final?

Karnataka CM-elect DK Shivakumar congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for winning its second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title but lashed out at IPL organisers for shifting the venue for the final to Gujarat. He said that this was an injustice to Karnataka, and alleged the move was politically motivated. "The IPL final match should have happened in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us. Due to politics, they held it at a different venue. I won't speak much on it," he told reporters. "I congratulate them on behalf of the RCB fans in Karnataka, and the state government," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-win-ipl-2026-virat-kohli-25-ball-fastest-ipl-fifty-smashes-gt-to-secure-back-to-back-ipl-titles-gt-ahmedabad-royal-challengers-bengaluru-1780245784976">IPL 2026 Final: Virat Kohli's 25-ball fifty powers RCB to back-to-back titles</a>&nbsp;On May 31, RCB clinched its second IPL trophy as the defending champions defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets to win the 2026 edition. Kohli sealed the moment for his team with an overhead six. RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first in the season’s final. Gujarat Titans were able to register first-inning total of 155 for eight in 20 overs.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/should-virat-kohli-make-a-comeback-to-test-cricket-1780258512506">Should Virat Kohli make a comeback to Test Cricket?</a><h2>Why was IPL venue changed?</h2>The IPL 2026 final was originally expected to be held at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium because defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru traditionally get hosting rights for the following season's final.However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shifted the final to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, citing “requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond BCCI guidelines and protocols.” It must be remembered that 11 people died and dozens more were injured during RCB maiden title celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2025. According to reports, reasons for change of venue included demands for a larger allocation of tickets from local authorities and officials, which BCCI said exceeded its standard policies, the capacity of the stadium.&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a separate post, the chief minister-designate and the outgoing chief minister hailed the players, support staff and fans for the triumph.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260601/image-1780273224565.png"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260601/image-1780273238443.png"> &nbsp;

Karnataka CM-elect D K Shivakumar and outgoing CM Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second straight IPL title. Shivakumar criticised the decision to hold the IPL 2026 final in Gujarat, alleging political reasons behind shifting the venue from Bengaluru.

Karnataka CM-elect DK Shivakumar congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for winning its second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title but lashed out at IPL organisers for shifting the venue for the final to Gujarat. He said that this was an injustice to Karnataka, and alleged the move was politically motivated. "The IPL final match should have happened in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us. Due to politics, they held it at a different venue. I won't speak much on it," he told reporters. "I congratulate them on behalf of the RCB fans in Karnataka, and the state government," he added. Also Read: IPL 2026 Final: Virat Kohli's 25-ball fifty powers RCB to back-to-back titles On May 31, RCB clinched its second IPL trophy as the defending champions defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets to win the 2026 edition. Kohli sealed the moment for his team with an overhead six. RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first in the season’s final. Gujarat Titans were able to register first-inning total of 155 for eight in 20 overs. Also Read: Should Virat Kohli make a comeback to Test Cricket? Why was IPL venue changed? The IPL 2026 final was originally expected to be held at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium because defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru traditionally get hosting rights for the following season's final.However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India shifted the final to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, citing “requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond BCCI guidelines and protocols.” It must be remembered that 11 people died and dozens more were injured during RCB maiden title celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2025. According to reports, reasons for change of venue included demands for a larger allocation of tickets from local authorities and officials, which BCCI said exceeded its standard policies, the capacity of the stadium. Meanwhile, in a separate post, the chief minister-designate and the outgoing chief minister hailed the players, support staff and fans for the triumph.

Karnataka CM-elect D K Shivakumar and outgoing CM Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru on winning their second straight IPL title. Shivakumar criticised the decision to hold the IPL 2026 final in Gujarat, alleging political reasons behind shifting the venue from Bengaluru.

'Injustice has been done...': Karnataka CM-elect DK Shivakumar's reaction after RCB's IPL win

There is nothing Virat Kohli hasn’t done on a cricket field. Be it scoring runs, scoring them quickly, smashing 20-odd-ball fifties, winning countless tournaments, yet on Sunday (May 31) in Ahmedabad, he cherished his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-win-ipl-2026-virat-kohli-25-ball-fastest-ipl-fifty-smashes-gt-to-secure-back-to-back-ipl-titles-gt-ahmedabad-royal-challengers-bengaluru-1780245784976">second IPL title with RCB</a> like no other. The batting icon was at the centre of the run chase, scoring an unbeaten 75 and helping RCB complete a historic back-to-back title defence against the Gujarat Titans. Regardless of finishing fourth among the top run-getters this season, Kohli cherished the moment he sealed the game and history for his IPL franchise with a match-winning six. Kohli said it was the stuff of dreams and that he always wanted to hit the winning runs.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Finishing off in style 🥳 And it&#39;s none other than King Kohli 😎👑 Scorecard ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X">https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheFinalLeap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFinalLeap</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RCBvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/FZNGQ26gBs">pic.twitter.com/FZNGQ26gBs</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://x.com/IPL/status/2061147057889615936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Stuff you dream of. Thought of this moment many times, wanting to hit the winning run. Felt really relaxed coming in,” Kohli said after receiving his Player of the Match (POTM) award for his brilliant 75 in IPL 2026 final.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-gt-ipl-2026-final-internet-erupts-after-virat-kohli-triumph-75-runs-see-reactions-back-to-back-titles-bhuvneshwar-kumar-1780252300496">Internet erupts after Virat Kohli, RCB triumph vs GT in IPL 2026 final| See reactions</a> &nbsp;At 37, Kohli paced and planned his innings to perfection, and it’s no surprise that he won the game and the tournament for his IPL team, something he has done for years now. Speaking highly of this two-time winning IPL unit, Kohli said, “The team we have gives confidence to see any kind of situation through. (I) knew exactly what to do in the chase. Such is the demand, super young players pushing you to up the ante.” &nbsp;Kohli also completed a 25-ball fifty during the run chase, his quickest ever coming in his 19th IPL season.&nbsp; &nbsp;“Gives you something to work towards. I had to change my mindset, not my game so much, take on bowlers and get extra runs. The first target was to go to the top of the table. We didn't care what jersey was in front of us thereon,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣️𝗜𝘁&#39;𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗼𝗳 🤩 🎥 Hear from the 𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 Virat Kohli himself on his masterclass 👏<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheFinalLeap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFinalLeap</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RCBvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/Prgy6La7iC">pic.twitter.com/Prgy6La7iC</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://x.com/IPL/status/2061165123130265795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>What separates RCB from others?</h3>RCB has come a long way since losing their first IPL final in 2011. With plenty of match winners and smart heads around, it took maturity for the defending champions to win it twice. Kohli explained the difference between this RCB and other teams and how they sealed the big moments. &nbsp;“We're respectful, don't poke any team. We have mature professionals, and experience shines through. Come the big situation, you need the big boys to step up. I know it's a chase, and they'll look to get me out early, but I knew we have a champion side that can chase it down with 3-4 overs to go,” he added.&nbsp;

"Stuff you dream of." Virat Kohli opens up on hitting the match-winning six to secure back-to-back IPL titles for RCB in a historic final against GT.

There is nothing Virat Kohli hasn’t done on a cricket field. Be it scoring runs, scoring them quickly, smashing 20-odd-ball fifties, winning countless tournaments, yet on Sunday (May 31) in Ahmedabad, he cherished his second IPL title with RCB like no other. The batting icon was at the centre of the run chase, scoring an unbeaten 75 and helping RCB complete a historic back-to-back title defence against the Gujarat Titans. Regardless of finishing fourth among the top run-getters this season, Kohli cherished the moment he sealed the game and history for his IPL franchise with a match-winning six. Kohli said it was the stuff of dreams and that he always wanted to hit the winning runs.

"Stuff you dream of." Virat Kohli opens up on hitting the match-winning six to secure back-to-back IPL titles for RCB in a historic final against GT.

‘Wanting to hit winning runs’: POTM Kohli reflects on retaining IPL crown for RCB with a six

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has won his maiden IPL Orange Cap after the two closest contenders from Gujarat Titans—captain Shubman Gill and his opening partner Sai Sudharsan—fell early inside the Powerplay during the ongoing IPL 2026 final. Vaibhav finished IPL 2026 with 776 runs, and with the two star GT batters departing on 10 (Gill) and 12 (Sai) respectively, he remains at the top of the list of batters with the most runs this season. Even though only RCB icon Virat Kohli stands a mathematical chance of topping Vaibhav’s tally since he is the only one remaining, Kohli must score 176 runs in the final to do so.<h3>Most Runs in IPL 2026</h3><ul><li>Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) - 776 runs in 16 matches</li><li>Shubman Gill (GT) - 732 runs in 16 matches</li><li>Sai Sudharsan (GT) - 722 runs in 17 matches</li></ul>Vaibhav made IPL 2026 all about himself. The left-handed opener broke records for fun and hammered bowlers to all parts of the grounds. Regardless of the opposition, his strategy remained unhinged, smashing everyone from the word go. What’s more mesmerising than his runs tally in only his second IPL season is that the teenage sensation did so at an unbelievable strike rate of 237.31. Never before in 18 years of this tournament’s history has a player scored 500 runs in a season, striking at an excess of 230.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ruturaj-gaikwad-replaces-injured-riyan-parag-in-india-a-squad-for-t20i-tri-series-sri-lanka-afghanistan-vaibhav-sooryavanshi-tilak-varma-captain-1780233763006">Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces injured Riyan Parag in India-A squad for T20I tri-series</a> &nbsp;The left-handed opener made headlines worldwide for his array of strokeplay and record-breaking spree. Most significantly, he broke Chris Gayle’s 14-year record of most sixes hit in an IPL season. While Gayle clobbered a whopping 59 during the 2012 edition, Vaibhav, just 15, smoked 72, 13 more than Gayle’s tally, in this edition alone. He also registered the most runs scored by a teenager in an IPL season. &nbsp;During the fag end of the tournament, Vaibhav also smashed two quickfire 90s, one against SunRisers Hyderabad (97 off 29 balls) and the other against the finalists, GT (96 off 27 balls).<h3>Gill and Sai fail in IPL 2026 final</h3>After RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first, GT's openers departed early inside the Powerplay in a massive blow to the batting side. Entering this contest as the second and third-ranked batters on the list of most run getters this season, Gill and Sai failed on the day their team needed them the most. &nbsp;While Gill was the first one to depart, playing early off RCB quick Josh Hazlewood’s good length delivery (on 10) before IPL legend Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sudharsan, caught on 12. GT lost Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu, with their scorecard reading 99 for five inside 15 overs.&nbsp;&nbsp;WATCH WICKETS -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2️⃣ massive wickets. 1️⃣ dream start! 💥 What a start for <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RCB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCB</a> in Ahmedabad 🔥 Updates ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X">https://t.co/Yz6K3q6w0X</a><a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Final?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Final</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/TheFinalLeap?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFinalLeap</a> | <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/RCBvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCBvGT</a> | <a href="https://x.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/loIvgOBVc4">pic.twitter.com/loIvgOBVc4</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://x.com/IPL/status/2061092684975231436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

At just 15 years old, Rajasthan Royals prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap after GT openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan fell early in the final.

15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has won his maiden IPL Orange Cap after the two closest contenders from Gujarat Titans—captain Shubman Gill and his opening partner Sai Sudharsan—fell early inside the Powerplay during the ongoing IPL 2026 final. Vaibhav finished IPL 2026 with 776 runs, and with the two star GT batters departing on 10 (Gill) and 12 (Sai) respectively, he remains at the top of the list of batters with the most runs this season. Even though only RCB icon Virat Kohli stands a mathematical chance of topping Vaibhav’s tally since he is the only one remaining, Kohli must score 176 runs in the final to do so. Most Runs in IPL 2026 Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR) - 776 runs in 16 matches Shubman Gill (GT) - 732 runs in 16 matches Sai Sudharsan (GT) - 722 runs in 17 matches Vaibhav made IPL 2026 all about himself. The left-handed opener broke records for fun and hammered bowlers to all parts of the grounds. Regardless of the opposition, his strategy remained unhinged, smashing everyone from the word go. What’s more mesmerising than his runs tally in only his second IPL season is that the teenage sensation did so at an unbelievable strike rate of 237.31. Never before in 18 years of this tournament’s history has a player scored 500 runs in a season, striking at an excess of 230. Also read | Ruturaj Gaikwad replaces injured Riyan Parag in India-A squad for T20I tri-series The left-handed opener made headlines worldwide for his array of strokeplay and record-breaking spree. Most significantly, he broke Chris Gayle’s 14-year record of most sixes hit in an IPL season. While Gayle clobbered a whopping 59 during the 2012 edition, Vaibhav, just 15, smoked 72, 13 more than Gayle’s tally, in this edition alone. He also registered the most runs scored by a teenager in an IPL season. During the fag end of the tournament, Vaibhav also smashed two quickfire 90s, one against SunRisers Hyderabad (97 off 29 balls) and the other against the finalists, GT (96 off 27 balls). Gill and Sai fail in IPL 2026 final After RCB won the toss and elected to bowl first, GT's openers departed early inside the Powerplay in a massive blow to the batting side. Entering this contest as the second and third-ranked batters on the list of most run getters this season, Gill and Sai failed on the day their team needed them the most. While Gill was the first one to depart, playing early off RCB quick Josh Hazlewood’s good length delivery (on 10) before IPL legend Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sudharsan, caught on 12. GT lost Jos Buttler and Nishant Sindhu, with their scorecard reading 99 for five inside 15 overs. WATCH WICKETS -

At just 15 years old, Rajasthan Royals prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap after GT openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan fell early in the final.

IPL 2026 Final: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi wins Orange Cap as Gill, Sudharsan fall early in powerplay

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the favourites heading into the IPL 2026 final, even though Gujarat Titans (GT) will enjoy the advantage of playing at their home venue in Ahmedabad. The defending champions are set to face GT in Sunday’s title clash, with both teams aiming to secure their second IPL trophy.&nbsp;Ashwin pointed to RCB’s fearless and aggressive style of play as a major reason behind their success this season and also lauded experienced campaigners Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya for their valuable contributions in crucial moments. According to Ashwin, GT’s familiarity with home conditions remains their biggest advantage, but overall, RCB appear to be the stronger and more balanced side.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-is-kushal-bhurtel-nepal-cricketer-recreates-yuvraj-singh-like-six-hitting-feat-vs-china-1780216450635">Who is Kushal Bhurtel? Nepal batter recreates Yuvraj Singh-like six-hitting feat</a>&nbsp;He stressed that RCB should continue playing the attacking style of cricket that has brought them success throughout the tournament, irrespective of whether they bat or bowl first.&nbsp;&nbsp;"The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they've dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that's really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final. The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season. GT's home ground and their familiarity with those conditions are the last piece of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title. For RCB, it doesn't matter whether they bat or bowl first, it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favourites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season," Ashwin said on JioHotstar.&nbsp;While RCB are looking to successfully defend the IPL title they won last season, Gujarat Titans will be chasing their second championship after their memorable triumph in 2022.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as strong favourites for the IPL 2026 final, stating that only their own mistakes can cost them the title.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as the favourites heading into the IPL 2026 final, even though Gujarat Titans (GT) will enjoy the advantage of playing at their home venue in Ahmedabad. The defending champions are set to face GT in Sunday’s title clash, with both teams aiming to secure their second IPL trophy. Ashwin pointed to RCB’s fearless and aggressive style of play as a major reason behind their success this season and also lauded experienced campaigners Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya for their valuable contributions in crucial moments. According to Ashwin, GT’s familiarity with home conditions remains their biggest advantage, but overall, RCB appear to be the stronger and more balanced side. Also Read - Who is Kushal Bhurtel? Nepal batter recreates Yuvraj Singh-like six-hitting feat He stressed that RCB should continue playing the attacking style of cricket that has brought them success throughout the tournament, irrespective of whether they bat or bowl first. "The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they've dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that's really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final. The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season. GT's home ground and their familiarity with those conditions are the last piece of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title. For RCB, it doesn't matter whether they bat or bowl first, it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favourites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season," Ashwin said on JioHotstar. While RCB are looking to successfully defend the IPL title they won last season, Gujarat Titans will be chasing their second championship after their memorable triumph in 2022. With inputs from agencies

Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as strong favorites for the IPL 2026 final, stating that only their own mistakes can cost them the title.

'RCB going in as favourites': Ex-India star ahead of IPL 2026 final

Ahead of the IPL 2026 final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, Shubman Gill reflected on the physical and mental challenges of a packed tournament schedule. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, the Gujarat Titans captain stressed that title-deciding matches are ultimately won through mental strength and composure under pressure.&nbsp;"But yes, physically they might have an advantage, but I think finals are all about mental toughness. So the team that is mentally up for the challenge is the one that's going to win," said Gill.&nbsp;The opener also discussed his aspirations across all formats of the game and said, "I'd be happy to play if, you know, I get picked for the T20 team. But I honestly want to keep working on my game. Doesn't matter what format it is. I want to keep getting better as a T20 batsman, as an ODI batsman, as a Test batsman, you know, cricket is such a game you can never really get perfect, but obviously you can strive for it, and that's what I try to do."&nbsp;Gill reserved special praise for teammate Sai Sudharsan, highlighting the youngster’s consistency and ability to maintain high standards throughout a demanding IPL campaign.&nbsp;&nbsp;"I think in a tournament like IPL, you know, when I first started playing, one of the things that one of the challenges that I faced was to keep playing the matches at the same intensity. And I think that is one of his biggest strengths, Sai. You know, you play so many matches, there could be days where mentally you don't feel up to the mark or physically you don't feel up to the mark."&nbsp;Since forming an opening partnership in 2022, Gill and Sudharsan have become one of the most prolific duos in IPL history, amassing 2,944 runs together.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/singapore-open-2026-satwiksairaj-rankireddy-and-chirag-shetty-stun-world-champions-to-reach-men-s-doubles-final-1780151076552">Singapore Open 2026: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stun world champions to reach men’s doubles final</a>&nbsp;After winning the Orange Cap with 759 runs last season, Sudharsan has carried his excellent form into the current campaign, while Gill has also featured prominently among the tournament’s leading run-scorers.&nbsp;Gill also praised the team's star pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj for having a brilliant run in the ongoing IPL season. "The message is simple. When you're bowling with the new ball if there is a little bit in the wicket, as a batsman I know the hardest ball to hit is obviously that good length ball, but that good length changes according to the wicket. You know, if you're playing on black soil, if there is grass on it, if there is no grass, if you're playing on red soil. So that length...there's a lot of talk about length, length, length, but the length is not the same on all the venues. It varies, probably a meter back or forth," he said. "I mean there's a reason why test match length works because it is the hardest ball to hit as a batsman with the new ball. But I think the way we executed our bouncers today, it was quite exceptional. We think in every over we used our bouncers very well and the accuracy of bouncers that we bowled--I've actually not seen in a T20 game--the number of bouncers we used and the success that we got was tremendous," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Gujarat Titans are set to take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Ahead of the IPL 2026 final against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday, Shubman Gill reflected on the physical and mental challenges of a packed tournament schedule. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, the Gujarat Titans captain stressed that title-deciding matches are ultimately won through mental strength and composure under pressure. "But yes, physically they might have an advantage, but I think finals are all about mental toughness. So the team that is mentally up for the challenge is the one that's going to win," said Gill. The opener also discussed his aspirations across all formats of the game and said, "I'd be happy to play if, you know, I get picked for the T20 team. But I honestly want to keep working on my game. Doesn't matter what format it is. I want to keep getting better as a T20 batsman, as an ODI batsman, as a Test batsman, you know, cricket is such a game you can never really get perfect, but obviously you can strive for it, and that's what I try to do." Gill reserved special praise for teammate Sai Sudharsan, highlighting the youngster’s consistency and ability to maintain high standards throughout a demanding IPL campaign. "I think in a tournament like IPL, you know, when I first started playing, one of the things that one of the challenges that I faced was to keep playing the matches at the same intensity. And I think that is one of his biggest strengths, Sai. You know, you play so many matches, there could be days where mentally you don't feel up to the mark or physically you don't feel up to the mark." Since forming an opening partnership in 2022, Gill and Sudharsan have become one of the most prolific duos in IPL history, amassing 2,944 runs together. Also Read - Singapore Open 2026: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty stun world champions to reach men’s doubles final After winning the Orange Cap with 759 runs last season, Sudharsan has carried his excellent form into the current campaign, while Gill has also featured prominently among the tournament’s leading run-scorers. Gill also praised the team's star pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj for having a brilliant run in the ongoing IPL season. "The message is simple. When you're bowling with the new ball if there is a little bit in the wicket, as a batsman I know the hardest ball to hit is obviously that good length ball, but that good length changes according to the wicket. You know, if you're playing on black soil, if there is grass on it, if there is no grass, if you're playing on red soil. So that length...there's a lot of talk about length, length, length, but the length is not the same on all the venues. It varies, probably a meter back or forth," he said. "I mean there's a reason why test match length works because it is the hardest ball to hit as a batsman with the new ball. But I think the way we executed our bouncers today, it was quite exceptional. We think in every over we used our bouncers very well and the accuracy of bouncers that we bowled--I've actually not seen in a T20 game--the number of bouncers we used and the success that we got was tremendous," he added. With inputs from agencies

Gujarat Titans are set to take on defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 title clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

'Finals are all about mental toughness': Shubman Gill ahead of IPL 2026 title clash vs RCB

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