RCB vs GT: Key Players to Watch Out for in Today's IPL 2026 Final

RCB vs GT: Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans are set off for their final of IPL 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, May 21, 2026. The current defending champion RCB wants to hold this title for a second consecutive time, as RCB already won in 2025 under Rajat Patidar's captaincy.

On the other hand, GT also wants to win the IPL 2 times; previously, GT had won the IPL in 2022 under Hardik Pandya's captaincy. But this year, in 2026, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, who has the highest successful chase in IPL playoff history, the team has reached the final of the IPL 2026 season.

Today’s final will be most thrilling, and both teams will show their greatest performance. As for RCB, everyone has eyes on King Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and from GT, Shubman Gill, who is in great form, will try to hold the IPL 2026 title under his captaincy.

So, let’s see some of the key players to watch out for in today's IPL 2026 final based on their previous matches' records.

Key Players to Watch Out for in Today's IPL 2026 Final

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team and the Gujarat Titans team are both ready for the final battle of the IPL 2026. 

Let’s see which player can become the turning point for the final rivalry between RCB and GT.

Key Players to Watch Out for Today's Match from the Team Royal Challengers Bengaluru

1. Virat Kohli (Batter)

Virat Kohli has been in great form in the IPL 2026 season and scored 600 runs in 15 matches, in which he scored 1 hundred and 4 fifties. For RCB, he will be playing the most important role for winning this year's IPL in 2026. So, let's see; the countdown has already started for this thrilling match.

2. Rajat Patidar (Captain and Batter)

Everyone has their eyes on Rajat Patidar, who is captain of RCB, and RCB fans is waiting for them to win two consecutive times.

In Qualifier 1, his 93 off just 33 balls was one of the most breathtaking innings seen in IPL playoff history. He scored 486 runs this season with 5 fifties. By seeing his performance in last match, GT will have to plan something big for him.

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Bowler)

This season, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been outstanding with the ball. He has taken 26 wickets in 15 matches and is in second position as the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2026. His powerplay and death-over-controlled game are one of the significant aspects of RCB's success. He also has a huge record against GT captain Shubman Gill, as he has got his hand 6 times from the stumps of the batsman in the IPL. His early dismissal of Gill might give a huge advantage in the remainder of the game to RCB.

4. Krunal Pandya (All-rounder)

Krunal Pandya has been one of the most valuable players in IPL 2026. He is one of only two players this season to score over 200 runs and take more than 10 wickets. His ability can be in favour of RCB winning the IPL for this season.

Key Players to Watch Out for Today's Match from the Team Gujarat Titans

1. Shubman Gill (Captain and Batter)

Today, Shubman Gill will play on his home ground tonight in Ahmedabad. He has scored 1,374 runs in 31 IPL innings at the Narendra Modi Stadium at an average of over 49 and a strike rate of around 163. Recently, in Qualifier 2, he hit a century and also became the first captain in the IPL to hit a century in the playoff of any IPL season. This season, he scored 722 runs with one century and 6 fifties; the highest score for this season is 104.

For RCB, he can be trouble because he is in stable performance, and to win this year, RCB has to plan something very big for him.

2. Sai Sudharsan (Batter)

The young Gujarat Titans opener has been one of the most consistent batters of the season, with 710 runs at an average of 57.64. He also made a strong first-wicket stand with Gill in the tournament. They have the ability to do whatever they want to if the GT top order remains steadfast.

2. Kagiso Rabada (Bowler)

Kagiso Rabada holds the Purple Cap this season with 28 wickets, the most by any bowler in IPL 2026. He has bowled 165 dot balls this season, showing just how much control he has over batters. Against Virat Kohli, he holds an IPL record of five dismissals in 99 runs faced at a strike rate of 157. Rabada has the pace and skill to break open any batting lineup, and RCB's batters will have to be at their very best against him.

3. Rashid Khan (All-rounder)

Rashid Khan brings magic with the ball and clever hitting with the bat. His ability to pick up wickets in the middle overs has made GT a hard team to score against, and he can produce game-changing moments in an instant.

Tonight's final is not just a contest between two strong teams. It is also a personal rivalry between two of cricket's most talked-about batters. Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli have gone head to head on many occasions over the years, and their rivalry tonight will be one of the most watched storylines of the match.

For RCB, a win tonight would make them only the third team in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend their title. For GT, a win would mark their second IPL crown for this year in 2026.

The performance of key players will be crucial, and their efforts may decide who lifts the IPL 2026 trophy.