Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place in a second consecutive IPL final after dismantling Gujarat Titans in a one sided Qualifier 1 clash at Dharamsala. Led by a breathtaking unbeaten 93 from captain Rajat Patidar, RCB piled up a massive 254 for 5, the highest team total ever recorded in an IPL playoff fixture.
Facing one of the tournament’s strongest bowling attacks, Bengaluru showed aggressive intent from the opening over despite missing Phil Salt through injury. The team hardly looked unsettled as stand in opener Venkatesh Iyer attacked immediately, smashing 19 from just seven deliveries before falling to Kagiso Rabada.
Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal kept the momentum flowing with stylish stroke play. Kohli made a quick 43 from 25 balls while Padikkal added 30 from 19. Gujarat briefly regained control when Jason Holder dismissed both set batters during a quieter phase in the middle overs.
However, that was only the beginning of Patidar’s brilliance.
The RCB skipper shifted gears in spectacular fashion after a cautious start. He tore through the Titans bowling unit with fearless stroke making, hammering nine sixes in his 33 ball innings. Rashid Khan, Rabada, and the rest of the attack had no answers once Patidar found rhythm. Krunal Pandya also played an important supporting role with 43 from 28 deliveries.
At the end of the 14th over, the contest still appeared balanced with Bengaluru at 140 for 3. What followed completely changed the match. RCB exploded for 114 runs in the final six overs, leaving Gujarat stunned and chasing an almost impossible target.
The Titans needed a flying start but never truly settled. Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill attempted to counterattack early, yet RCB’s pace attack maintained discipline. Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Gill with another clever seam delivery, continuing his excellent record against the Gujarat captain.
Jos Buttler briefly threatened with a rapid 29 from 11 balls, but Josh Hazlewood ended the danger with a smart slower delivery. From there, Gujarat’s innings collapsed rapidly. Rasikh Salam delivered a superb double wicket maiden while Jacob Duffy picked up three wickets to seal a crushing victory.
Although Rahul Tewatia produced some late resistance, the result was never in doubt. Bengaluru completed a dominant performance and moved one step closer to defending their IPL crown, while Gujarat now prepare for another chance in Qualifier 2 at Ahmedabad.
