The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a sensational all-round performance to crush Gujarat Titans (GT) 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 and seal their place in the final for the second consecutive season. Playing at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, RCB outclassed GT in every department and proved once again why they finished top of the table this season.
The win sparked celebrations across the world among RCB fans and the former franchise owner. Vijay Mallya was among the first to share his excitement after the blockbuster win.
Vijay Mallya reacts after RCB’s clinical performance
Although Mallya is no longer associated with the franchise following a massive ownership transition earlier this year, his emotional bond with RCB continues to remain strong. The businessman, who played a major role in building the team in the early years of the IPL, took to social media to congratulate the side for dominating the playoffs.
Lauding the fearless approach shown by the Bengaluru-based franchise, Mallya sent an emotional message celebrating the team’s fighting spirit and aggressive brand of cricket.
“Many congratulations to RCB namma dodda Simhagulu for a decisive win in Dharamshala tonight. You roared as loud as the Bengaluru Lions and made it to the IPL final as the defending champions.” He wrote in X.
Notably, Mallya has often spoken of his deep commitment to the franchise, especially since he was instrumental in bringing in a youngster. Virat Kohli In 2008, he joined the RCB set-up. Even after being away from the team, he continued to openly support Bangalore at important moments.
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Clinical RCB stopped GT very reliably
The Qualifier 1 clash turned into a nightmare for Gujarat Titans after RCB’s batting line-up was completely destroyed. After being asked to bat first, Bengaluru posted a mammoth total of 254/5 in 20 overs. RCB lost Venkatesh Iyer early, but Kohli kept the pace of the innings going with a fiery 43 off 25 balls. However, the innings really belonged to the skipper Rajat PatidarOne of the most explosive knocks in IPL playoff history.
Patidar smashed 93 off just 33 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and nine powerful sixes at an astonishing strike rate of over 280. His aggressive partnership Krunal Pandya The duo completely changed the momentum of the game as they dismantled GT’s bowling attack in the death overs. RCB scored 86 runs in the last over and left Gujarat with an impossible target.
Chasing 255 under pressure, Gujarat Titans never looked calm. RCB’s pace attack took full advantage of the conditions, striking repeatedly during the Powerplay to immediately put GT on the back foot. Jacob Duffy With Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya taking two wickets each, he played with the ball picking up three important wickets.
Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 in the end despite Rahul Tewatia’s batting knock of 68 off 43 balls. With this team win, RCB have now qualified directly for the IPL 2026 finals and will be fighting for the title with great confidence. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 as they prepare for a must-win encounter in Mullanpur.
