🏏IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans vs RCB, 42nd Match, Ahmedabad🏏 - Page 2

We move into the reverse fixtures of the TATA IPL 2026 and match number 42 sets up a blockbuster night as Gujarat Titans roll out the red carpet for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. High stakes, higher expectations and two crucial points are up for grabs as momentum rich sides collide in what promises to be a drama loaded encounter.

Both teams arrive with confidence in their baggage. Gujarat Titans come into this contest after a solid win over Chennai Super Kings, a result that steadied their campaign and reinforced belief. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, meanwhile, land in Ahmedabad on a high after dismantling Delhi Capitals at their own fortress, a statement victory that reminded everyone why they are the defending champions.

The last meeting between these two sides still lingers in memory. RCB emerged victorious despite GT posting a 200-plus total, a match defined by a crucial dropped chance as Washington Sundar spilled Virat Kohli on zero. Kohli made them pay emphatically, smashing 81 runs and walking away with the Player of the Match award. That moment continues to sting for GT, and revenge will quietly fuel their plans tonight.

On the table, Gujarat Titans sit fifth with eight points from eight matches, evenly split between wins and losses. Consistency has been elusive, particularly in the middle order, which has been exposed on multiple occasions and remains a question mark. RCB, on the other hand, are firmly placed second with 12 points from the same number of games. A win here could propel them to the top of the standings. Their revival after an early loss to DC has been ruthless, highlighted by bowling DC out for 75, the lowest total of the season so far, with Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar orchestrating the carnage.

Form meets familiarity, confidence meets revenge. Will RCB make it two wins from two against GT this season, or can Gujarat ride their momentum to level the score? Under the lights, something has to give.

Here we go again 🧿🧿🧿

Originally posted by: WildestDreams

Here we go again 🧿🧿🧿

Thank you for the tag ☺️

GT please do well in this match

Thanks for the tag Madhu.

May the best team win.

Cheers..

Thanks for the tag all the best to both teams

Whoo

Prince vs new Star Boy

Suyash vs Gill

VIKOO

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

For which team, these gestures??

Madz, what do you mean for which team?😭😭

There is one only team that gets my full support, my jinx power, these gifs for the past 9 matches …only and only RCB

Originally posted by: Viswasruti

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a recent and rather specific fondness for Pitch No. 6 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was on this very strip that the side finally ended their long wait for an IPL title in 2025. Gujarat Titans, too, have found success here: they chased down 180 against Kolkata Knight Riders earlier this season, albeit in the final over, and had overhauled a 204-run target against Delhi Capitals at this venue last year.

"We're playing on the pitch six, which is a 75% red soil. It's the same strip that we played the final on last year. And it usually plays very well, that strip. So we'd anticipate it playing very well again," said RCB head coach Andy Flower on the eve of the contest.

The pitch, though, is only one part of a broader contrast. RCB arrive with a more complete batting unit, sitting second on the table with six wins from eight games. GT, meanwhile, have oscillated between extremes, splitting their eight matches evenly. The gap is reflected in their scoring patterns too: RCB's 90 sixes are the second-most this season, while GT's 55 is joint-lowest.

Thank you for the tags!

Here are 3 player battles for GT vs RCB, Match 42 of IPL 2026:

3. Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Sai Sudharsan

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in stellar form this season. Last year, he played second fiddle to Josh Hazlewood. However, the Indian seamer has been a cut above the rest of the RCB bowlers in IPL 2026. He has 14 wickets in eight matches at a mind-boggling average of 7.61.

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan started the season slowly. It seemed as if the southpaw would have his first dismal season with the bat in the IPL. However, he has struck a purple patch in the last couple of games, scoring 100 (58) and 87 (46).

2. Josh Hazlewood vs Shubman Gill

Josh Hazlewood vs Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has amassed 339 runs in seven innings at an average of 47.14 and a strike rate of 148.65. The Gujarat Titans' skipper has already notched up three half-centuries. He will look to get his team off to another solid start alongside Sudharsan.

However, he will be up against an in-form Josh Hazlewood. The Australian seamer missed a few games early in the season while he was recuperating from injury. However, since his comeback, Hazlewood has been exemplary with the ball. In the last game, he won the Player of the Match award after bagging a four-for against the Delhi Capitals.

1. Kagiso Rabada vs Virat Kohli

Kagiso Rabada vs Virat Kohli (Source : gujarat_titans on IG/royalchallengers.bengaluru on IG)

There was a notion in the cricket fraternity that Kagiso Rabada was no longer a threat in the shortest format after a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. However, Rabada has unlocked his A-game in the ongoing IPL. He has bagged 13 wickets in eight games at an average of 9.48. The South African seamer has bowled at great speeds, which is a sign that he is in remarkable rhythm.

Virat Kohli is once again in the race for the Orange Cap. In eight innings, he has amassed 351 runs at an average of 58.50 and a strike rate of 162.50. It is great to see him playing his shots from the get-go and putting the bowlers under pressure. His consistency, even while playing an ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, has been magnificent.