RCB Playing XI vs GT — 31 May 2026 – Predicted Lineup & Team Analysis

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Top Order: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal

Phil Salt is expected to partner Virat Kohli at the top, although Venkatesh Iyer remains an option after impressing during Salt's absence. Salt brings an aggressive approach in the powerplay, while Kohli anchors the innings with 600 runs at a strike rate of 164.38 this season.

Devdutt Padikkal adds balance to the batting unit with his left-handed presence. He has scored 463 runs this season and plays a key role in building partnerships and maintaining momentum through the middle overs.

Gujarat Titans Top Order: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler

Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan have formed one of the most successful opening partnerships of IPL 2026. Gill leads the batting charts for Gujarat Titans with 722 runs, while Sudharsan has scored 710 runs at a strike rate of 159.55.

Jos Buttler adds further firepower at No. 3. The experienced wicketkeeper-batter has scored 507 runs at a strike rate of 157.45 and plays an important role in maintaining the scoring rate against both pace and spin.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Middle Order: Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma

Captain Rajat Patidar has led from the front throughout the season. He has scored 486 runs at a strike rate of 196.76 and played a match-winning knock of 93* off 33 balls against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.

Tim David provides finishing power in the lower middle order. He has scored 281 runs at a strike rate of 193.79 and remains one of RCB's biggest threats in the death overs. Jitesh Sharma adds further firepower and can accelerate quickly when required.

Gujarat Titans Middle Order: Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia

Washington Sundar has made a strong impact with the bat this season, scoring 327 runs and providing stability after the top order. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries gives Gujarat added depth.

Nishant Sindhu adds left-handed variety in the middle order and helps keep the scoreboard moving. Rahul Tewatia remains Gujarat's key finisher, scoring 183 runs and regularly delivering in pressure situations.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru All-Rounders: Krunal Pandya, Venkatesh Iyer

Krunal Pandya gives RCB balance with both bat and ball. He has scored 225 runs and taken 13 wickets this season, making valuable contributions in multiple phases of the game.

Venkatesh Iyer offers flexibility as a batting all-rounder. He scored 177 runs in five innings and gives the team an additional seam-bowling option if needed.

Gujarat Titans All-Rounders: Jason Holder

Jason Holder brings valuable experience and balance to the side. He has taken 17 wickets this season and also strengthens the lower order with his ability to score quick runs in the death overs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam

Bhuvneshwar Kumar leads the attack with 26 wickets and remains RCB's most reliable bowler with the new ball and at the death. His experience could prove crucial in the final.

Rasikh Salam has emerged as one of RCB's standout performers, taking 16 wickets in 11 matches. Josh Hazlewood adds pace, bounce, and control, with 13 wickets from 12 matches despite missing part of the season.

Gujarat Titans Bowling Attack: Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna

Kagiso Rabada leads Gujarat's bowling attack and currently holds the Purple Cap with 28 wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna provide strong support with the new ball and at the death.

Rashid Khan remains Gujarat's most dangerous spin option in the middle overs. He has claimed 19 wickets this season and brings the experience needed to control the game in crucial moments.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are likely to use Tim David as their Impact Player, as he adds significant power in the death overs. When bowling, they could bring in Jacob Duffy to strengthen their pace attack.

Gujarat Titans may use Rahul Tewatia as their Impact Player when additional batting depth is required. When bowling, Sai Kishore could come into the equation as an extra spin-bowling option.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to attack with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood during the powerplay. Their main goal will be to break Gujarat's opening partnership early and expose the middle order.

Gujarat Titans are expected to target Virat Kohli with pace and aggressive fields in the powerplay. Rashid Khan could play a key role in controlling RCB's middle order and limiting their finishing options.

Q1. Who are likely to open the batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final?

A: Virat Kohli is expected to open the innings, with Phil Salt likely to partner him at the top. Venkatesh Iyer remains another option.

Q2. Who are Gujarat Titans' top-three batters?

A: Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler form Gujarat Titans' top three and have scored the majority of the team's runs this season.

Q3. Who could be RCB's Impact Player?

A: Tim David could be used as the Impact Player when batting, while Jacob Duffy may come in as an extra pacer when RCB are bowling.

Q4. Who could be Gujarat Titans' Impact Player?

A: Rahul Tewatia could be used when Gujarat need extra batting depth, while Sai Kishore is an option when an additional spinner is required.

Q5. How many wickets has Bhuvneshwar Kumar taken in IPL 2026?
A: Bhuvneshwar Kumar has taken 26 wickets in 15 matches and is RCB's leading wicket-taker this season.