The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion IPL 2026 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) get ready to lock horns in the grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Saturday night. After weeks of high-intensity cricket, two of the strongest teams in the tournament earned the right to battle it out for the coveted trophy. With world-class stars spread across both camps and a solid momentum on their side, fans are expecting a contest worthy of an IPL final. However, even on the eve of the title clash, much of the cricketing conversation continues to revolve around the young superstar whose extraordinary season has left a lasting impression on players and pundits alike.
Shubman called Gill ‘the best batsman of all time’
GT captain Shubman Gill After the win over GT, there was special praise for the 15-year-old batting prodigy Rajasthan Royals In classification 2. Although Gill was instrumental in helping his team reach the final with a match-winning century, he admitted that Vaibhav Sooryavanshi‘s fearless batting was one of the most remarkable performances he had witnessed.
The Rajasthan Royals youngster almost single-handedly pulled off a stunning chase, smashing 96 runs off just 47 deliveries against a formidable Gujarat bowling attack. His innings kept Rajasthan in contention till the closing stages and won the admiration of cricket fans worldwide.
Speaking after the match, Gill described Sooryavanshi as one of the best batsmen in world cricket right now. The GT captain highlighted the youngster’s exceptional hand speed, stroke mechanics and fearless mindset, praising his continued attack despite facing immense pressure in the chase.
“I think it’s just been a remarkable season for him. I’ve never seen anybody bat like that. He’s one of the best hitters in the world right now. Not only his batting, but his mechanics and hand speed, no matter who he’s playing against, it’s remarkable to watch.” Gill said in the postgame chat.
One of the defining moments of Sooryavanshi’s innings came with a sharp hit on the helmet. Kagiso Rabada bouncer. Instead of being rattled by the knock, the teenager calmly completed the mandatory concussion assessment before returning to continue his assault on the Gujarat bowlers. His response showed a level of composure and maturity rarely seen in players his age.
“The fact that he doesn’t care after the take-off but still manages to get back into the game and keep us under pressure just tells you about the mentality. I think he’s going to have a tough time playing against him in the years to come.” Gill added.
The innings also added another chapter to his record-breaking season. During the innings, Sooryavanshi became the fastest player to reach 1000 IPL runs from the number of balls he faced. Andre Russellprevious benchmark. He also became the second fastest player to reach the milestone in terms of innings, trailing only Shaun Marsh.
Although Rajasthan’s campaign ended in disappointment, Sooryavanshi finished the Tournament as the Orange Cap holder with 776 runs from 16 matches at an average of 48.50 and a magnificent strike rate of 237.30. His tally includes a century and five half-centuries, confirming him as the breakout star of IPL 2026. His sensational performances have already been rewarded with the first call-up for the upcoming tri-series in India. Sri Lankahe will look to continue his rapid rise in the game.
A high-scoring clash on the cards in the IPL 2026 final
As attention turns to the final, anticipation builds around what could be one of the most entertaining matches of the season. Both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans have explosive batting line-ups and match-winning bowling attacks, making the contest difficult to predict.
RCB will once again rely on their experience and consistency Virat Kohliwhile captain Rajat Patidar led from the front throughout the campaign. Availability Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood It further strengthens Bengaluru’s chances of lifting their first IPL trophy.
Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, looked like a complete unit throughout the tournament. And Captain Gill was in great form Sai Sudharsan and If Buttler they provided significant firepower above. With Rabada and Muhammad Siraj leading the pace attack, GT has all the ingredients to challenge RCB once again.
With superstars on both sides and the IPL trophy at stake, cricket fans can expect a high-scoring and fiercely competitive battle in Ahmedabad. Be it Gill’s Gujarat Titans or Patidar’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one team will end the night as IPL 2026 champions.
Also READ: What if RCB vs GT IPL 2026 final is washed out due to rain in Ahmedabad?
