as IPL 2026 the playoffs will begin with the blockbuster Qualifier 1 match Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT)former Indian opener Chris Srikanth announced his prediction about the future champions of this season. With both teams entering the play-offs after impressive league campaigns, the title race has intensified and Srikkanth believes one side has quietly built the strongest case for glory.
Kris Srikkanth picks his favorite for the IPL 2026 title
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the playoffs, Srikkanth praised Gujarat Titans for their consistency and composure throughout the tournament. The former India captain felt that GT played the most balanced cricket this season and steadily improved as the competition progressed, especially when talking about players like Jason Holder and Washington Sundar.
“I’ll give it to GT. They are a steady force that will reach their destination. They won’t jet up and down. Overall, they’ve played better cricket than RCB. With Washington Sundar and Jason Holder, they’ve even sorted their middle order. The only thing is they don’t play Tewatia and instead play someone else there. Like Khabat Arhid, play at a higher level with R. Arhid. Owner at 6, Rashid and he should fight at 7. Srikkanth said.
GT has once again demonstrated its remarkable consistency in the IPL ecosystem. Since joining the league in 2022, they have emerged as one of the most reliable franchises, regularly making the playoffs and maintaining a strong culture of winning under pressure.
Srikkanth calls RCB vs GT a ’50-50′ contest
Despite backing Gujarat Titans as the title favourites, Srikkanth admitted that the Qualifier 1 clash in Dharamsala could be evenly contested due to the conditions at the HPCA Stadium. The pitch’s batting surface and fast pitch are expected to create a high-scoring encounter between two explosive batting line-ups.
“It will be a 50-50 match because they are playing in Dharamsala. RCB would be favorites if they were playing in New Chandigarh. GT’s batting depends a lot on the top three. They somehow score in every match, but if two out of three fail, they will be in trouble. Either Padikkal or Kohli can score for RCB to win. So Kohli’s scoring is a must and if he doesn’t have a partnership with Padikkal, RCB will be in trouble. can”. he said.
Also READ: How Gujarat Titans (GT) fared in the IPL playoffs
Both teams are looking for direct qualification to the IPL 2026 final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have topped the IPL 2026 points table by winning nine of their 14 league matches ahead of GT on net run rate. However, RCB enter the playoffs after a heavy defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the last league match.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans sealed the top two with a dominant win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Sai Sudharsan and If Buttler. The winner of Qualifier 1 will qualify directly for the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, while the loser will get another chance against Sunrisers Hyderabad or other teams in Qualifier 2. Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Also (WATCH): Virat Kohli playfully teases Shubman Gill’s beard ahead of RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 clash.
