Gujarat Titans (GT) outclassed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 4 wickets in the 42nd match of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After being asked to bat first, RCB were bowled out for 155 with four balls remaining, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance by Gujarat Titans. Devdutt Padikkal top-scored for RCB with 40 runs, while Virat Kohli added 28.
Arshad Khan (3/22 in 3.2 overs) was the most successful bowler for Gujarat Titans, while Rashid Khan and Jason Holder picked up two wickets each.
In reply, the target initially looked easy for the strong opening pair of Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. However, after both openers fell during the powerplay, GT struggled in the middle order. Eventually, crucial contributions from Holder (12 off 10 balls) and Impact Player Rahul Tewatia (27* off 17 balls) helped Gujarat Titans chase down the target. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/28 in 4 overs) was the standout bowler for RCB, while Romario Shepherd took two wickets.
With this win, Gujarat Titans earned two crucial points and moved to fifth place in the points table, while defending champions RCB suffered their third loss of IPL 2026.
Rabada and Siraj Restrict RCB Early
RCB started aggressively after GT asked them to bat first. Virat Kohli attacked Kagiso Rabada early, hitting four consecutive boundaries in one over. He even struck Rabada’s hard-length deliveries over mid-off.
Soon after, Kohli took on Mohammed Siraj as well, hitting another boundary. However, Rabada bounced back quickly. When Kohli tried to attack again, he mistimed his shot and got caught at midwicket. Rabada reacted with a strong send-off after dismissing him for 28 off 13 balls.
Earlier, Siraj had removed Jacob Bethell for a slow 5. Both Rabada and Siraj bowled tight lines during the powerplay and restricted RCB to 59 for 2.
Holder Dominates the Middle Overs
Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar tried to rebuild the innings with a 44-run stand. However, Holder broke the partnership by taking a catch at deep square leg.
There was some confusion about the catch, as replays suggested the ball may have touched the ground during the slide. Still, the TV umpire ruled it out, deciding that Holder had control.
Some RCB players disagreed with the decision. Virat Kohli and coach Andy Flower were seen discussing it with the officials before Patidar walked off.
After that, Holder stayed involved in almost every key moment. He dismissed Jitesh Sharma, then took catches to remove Tim David and Krunal Pandya. He also claimed another wicket when Romario Shepherd got out.
Padikkal Fights Alone
Despite losing wickets regularly, Devdutt Padikkal kept scoring. He adjusted well and created chances to find boundaries. He scored 40 off 24 balls, becoming RCB’s top scorer. However, Rashid Khan eventually dismissed him. At 126 for 7, RCB made a tactical change. They brought in Venkatesh Iyer as an Impact Player, replacing a bowler. However, Iyer struggled to find rhythm and even took a hit on his elbow.
Still, he added 29 runs with Bhuvneshwar Kumar for the ninth wicket. This partnership helped RCB reach 155 before getting bowled out with four balls left.
Meanwhile, Arshad Khan impressed with the ball for GT, taking 3 for 22.
Gill and Buttler Start Strong
Gujarat Titans began their chase in an aggressive manner. Shubman Gill attacked Josh Hazlewood, smashing him for 24 runs in one over. Gill scored 43 off just 18 balls, his highest powerplay score in the IPL. However, he got out while trying to hit another boundary.
After that, Jos Buttler took control. He played attacking shots against both pace and spin and scored 39 off 19 balls. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed him after he exposed his stumps.
Bhuvneshwar also removed Sai Sudharsan, finishing with three key wickets. In contrast, Hazlewood struggled and conceded 56 runs without taking a wicket.
Late Drama Before GT Finish Strong
Even though GT started well, they lost wickets quickly in the middle overs. Romario Shepherd created pressure by dismissing Shahrukh Khan and Washington Sundar in the same over.
However, Holder eased the tension by hitting a six off his first ball. After he got out, GT needed just 15 runs from 37 balls.
Finally, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan calmly finished the chase with 25 balls remaining. Their efforts also improved GT’s net run rate significantly.
Jason Holder played a key role with the ball and in the field to help Gujarat Titans bowl Royal Challengers Bengaluru out for 155 in Ahmedabad. He contributed to five dismissals, making a major impact on the match. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!