The Narendra Modi Stadium is set to host a high-voltage encounter today, April 30, as Gujarat Titans (GT) welcome a dominant Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for Match 42 of IPL 2026. RCB arrives in Ahmedabad breathing comfortably with six wins from eight matches, including a clinical victory in the reverse fixture at Bengaluru. On the other hand, Shubman Gill’s Titans, currently sitting on four wins, are desperate to extend their winning streak and climb the table.
Historically, this rivalry has favored the side batting second, with all seven previous encounters won by the chasing team—a trend that will surely weigh heavy on the captains' minds at the toss.
Key Batting Stats:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Probable XII): Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell (subject to Phil Salt’s fitness), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma.
Historically, this rivalry has favored the side batting second, with all seven previous encounters won by the chasing team—a trend that will surely weigh heavy on the captains' minds at the toss.
GT vs RCB Head-to-Head: Chasing teams dominate the rivalry
The statistical history between these two sides is razor-thin. Out of the 7 matches played in the IPL, RCB holds a slight 4-3 edge over GT. Interestingly, the Royal Challengers also won the only game played between these two at this venue previously. The defining characteristic of this matchup has been the success of the chase; neither team has yet managed to defend a total against the other.Key Batting Stats:
- Virat Kohli: The undisputed king of this fixture with 432 runs in 7 innings, averaging a staggering 86.40.
- Sai Sudharsan: A consistent performer for GT with 259 runs and a strike rate of 151.46.
- Shubman Gill: 200 runs in 7 innings, including a memorable century.
- Mohammed Siraj: Leads the pack with 9 wickets in 6 innings.
- Rashid Khan: Has 6 wickets but will look to improve his economy rate against the RCB power-hitters.
Tactical Battles and Matchups to Watch
The contest will be decided by specific player rivalries. For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the trump card, having dismissed Jos Buttler eight times and Shubman Gill four times in past encounters. Conversely, GT will rely on Kagiso Rabada, who has dismissed Virat Kohli four times in 15 innings, to provide the early breakthrough. Another fascinating battle will be Rashid Khan vs. Devdutt Padikkal; the Afghan leg-spinner has accounted for Padikkal four times in just seven innings.Predicted Playing 11 for GT vs RCB
Gujarat Titans (Probable XII): Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar, Prasidh Krishna.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Probable XII): Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell (subject to Phil Salt’s fitness), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Suyash Sharma.
