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The IPL 2026 final is still hours away, but former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has already made it clear who will lift the trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. Ashwin has made a dramatic U-turn while predicting the winner between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT).
Before Qualifier 2, the former Indian off-spinner boldly claimed that if Gujarat Titans managed to beat Rajasthan Royals and reach the final, then RCB would not be able to stop Shubman Gill and his team from lifting the trophy on their home ground in Ahmedabad.
Ravichandran Ashwin makes stunning U-Turn before IPL 2026 Final
But hours before the title clash, Ravichandran Ashwin flipped and predicted that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are strong favorites to win the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans on Sunday night.
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RCB have been in outstanding form throughout the season and are now on the verge of creating history. After winning their first-ever IPL title last year, they have a chance to become only the third team in the tournament's history to successfully defend the crown.
Under Rajat Patidar's captaincy, the Bengaluru-based franchise finished at the top of the points table and then made a huge statement in Qualifier 1 by thrashing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs. Their batting, bowling, and fielding have all clicked at the right time in the tournament.
Ahmedabad remains Gujarat Titans' biggest weapon in IPL 2026 Final
However, Gujarat Titans are not going down without a fight. After suffering a heavy defeat in Qualifier 1, they bounced back strongly and defeated the Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 to book their place in the final.
The biggest advantage for Gujarat Titans is that the final is being played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they have a great record and know the conditions better than any other team. Even Ashwin admitted that GT’s record at home makes them dangerous opponents.
They are going in as the favorites: Ashwin on RCB
But he feels RCB are favorites heading into the title clash. Ashwin believes one of the biggest reasons behind RCB's success has been their fearless style of cricket, and he wants the team to continue playing their attacking cricket in the final as well.
Ravichandran Ashwin said on Jio Hotstar: “The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they've dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that's really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final. For RCB, it doesn't matter whether they bat or bowl first; it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favorites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season.”
Ashwin warns RCB about Gujarat Titans' biggest strength ahead of final
The former Indian all-rounder also mentioned that Gujarat Titans’ home advantage and familiarity with the Ahmedabad pitch may be the only major factor standing between RCB and a second consecutive title in the IPL 2026 final.
Ashwin signed off by saying, “The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season. GT's home ground and their familiarity with those conditions are the only last pieces of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title.”
