Why the IPL 2026 Final toss left both RCB and GT smiling in Ahmedabad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and elected to field first in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a decision that appeared to leave both teams satisfied.

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar had no hesitation in choosing to chase on a surface that he expects to remain consistent throughout the contest.

"We'll bowl first. It's a pretty good wicket. The ball will come nicely on the bat, but to be honest, it will not change in the 40 overs. So we'll try to get them early as possible."

The decision reflects RCB's confidence in their chasing ability. The defending champions have successfully hunted down several imposing totals this season and arrive at the final with one of the deepest batting line-ups in the competition.

Interestingly, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill admitted his side would also have chosen to bat first had they won the toss.

"We would have batted first. Typical wicket, third match we are playing here. There could be some movement for the fast bowlers in the first three overs."

Gill's comments underline why the toss suited both teams. While RCB preferred chasing on a batting-friendly surface, GT were happy to set a target on a pitch that has consistently produced big scores. The mixed-soil Pitch No. 6 has already hosted high-scoring contests and is expected to provide another excellent batting track for the title clash.

Gill also confirmed one change to the Gujarat Titans lineup, with Arshad Khan replacing Sai Kishore.

"We've got one change. Arshad comes in for Sai."

Patidar, meanwhile, named an unchanged XI and stressed the importance of staying focused on the present despite memories of last year's title-winning campaign at the same venue.

"A lot of memories last year, but I think it was in 2025. It's 2026. We have to do our best to win this match."

Teams:

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar

With a batting-friendly pitch, two in-form sides and both captains seemingly content with how the toss unfolded, the stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.