Key Highlights
- Both finalists field deep batting orders anchored by experienced captains – Rajat Patidar for RCB and Shubman Gill for GT.
- Each side brings a blend of specialist wicket‑keepers, versatile all‑rounders and a pace attack loaded with international stars.
- The support staff for both franchises feature former international players occupying coaching and scouting roles.
Detailed Insights
The 2026 Indian Premier League culminated at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) contested the championship. RCB’s batting line‑up is built around the captain Rajat Patidar, the prolific Virat Kohli, and aggressive left‑hander Phil Salt. The side also relies on dual wicket‑keepers Jitesh Sharma and Richard Glesson, while power‑hitting emerges from Jacob Bethell and Tim David.
RCB’s all‑rounder pool includes the hard‑hitting Venkatesh Iyer, spin‑bowling all‑rounder Krunal Pandya, the explosive Romario Shepherd and promising youngster Vihaan Malhotra. Their bowling contingent mixes swing (Josh Hazelwood), left‑arm pace (Rasikh Dar Salam), and emerging Indian talents such as Abhinandan Singh and Satvik Deswal.
Guiding RCB are seasoned mentors: Head Coach Andy Flower, batting guru Dinesh Karthik, and specialist bowling and fielding coaches. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, feature Shubman Gill as captain, a quartet of wicket‑keepers led by Jos Buttler, and a batting core that includes Sai Sudharsan and Glenn Phillips.
GT’s all‑rounders combine spin (Washington Sundar, Rashid Khan), medium‑pace power (Rahul Tewatia) and experience (Jason Holder). Their fast‑bowling attack is formidable, highlighted by Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj and Ishant Sharma. The coaching ensemble is anchored by former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra and includes specialist mentors for batting, spin, pace and fielding.