Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Strong Powerplay Performance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made a strong start in Qualifier One of the Indian Premier League 2026, scoring 76/1 in the powerplay against Gujarat Titans at Dharamsala on Tuesday. It was the second-highest powerplay total conceded by GT this season, behind the 78/3 scored by Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur earlier in the season.

GT skipper Shubman Gill won the toss and chose to bowl first against defending champions RCB. The winner of the match will directly qualify for the final, while the losing team will face the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier Two. RCB entered the match as table-toppers after finishing the league stage with nine wins, five losses and 18 points. GT also finished with the same number of wins and points but ended second because of net run rate.

RCB's Batting Strategy

GT brought in left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya in place of Arshad Khan. RCB continued with the opening pair of Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, the combination used in their last league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. England batter Phil Salt, who recently rejoined the squad after recovering from a finger injury, remained out as he continues working towards full match fitness.

Batting first, RCB started aggressively. Venkatesh attacked Mohammed Siraj in the opening over with three boundaries. Though he was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada in the second over, Kohli and number three batter Devdutt Padikkal kept the scoring rate high. Padikkal struck Rabada for three consecutive fours in the fourth over, from which RCB collected 18 runs. In Rabada’s third over, which was also the last over of the powerplay, Kohli hit two fours and a six as RCB finished at 76/1 after six overs.

Historical Powerplay Totals

Here are some of the highest powerplay totals in IPL knockouts/playoffs:

• 100/2 – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, Wankhede, 2014
• 84/1 – Deccan Chargers vs Delhi Capitals, Centurion, 2009
• 79/0 – Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans, New Chandigarh, 2025
• 76/1 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans, Dharamsala, 2026

RCB's performance in the powerplay sets a new benchmark for the team in the IPL playoffs. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter with both teams vying for a direct entry to the final.