The excitement of IPL 2026 has now reached its final stage. After 70 league matches, the Eliminator, and two Qualifiers, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are now set to face off in the Final. This marquee clash between the two teams will take place on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While RCB aims to successfully defend their title, Gujarat will take the field with the intention of winning the IPL trophy for the second time—an achievement they first accomplished in 2022. Here, we highlight five players who possess the ability to turn the tide of the match at any moment.
1. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli will be RCB's most crucial player in the IPL 2026 final. Kohli is a player who rises to the occasion on the biggest stages—a fact he has repeatedly proven through his magnificent performances. Virat appeared in tremendous form during the first Qualifier as well, where he played a brilliant innings of 43 runs off just 25 balls. Kohli has amassed a total of 600 runs across 15 matches, maintaining a strike rate of 164.
2. Rajat Patidar
RCB captain Rajat Patidar could prove to be a major threat to the Gujarat Titans in the final match. Rajat is currently in tremendous form; in the first Qualifier, he delivered a magnificent batting performance, playing a blistering innings of 93 runs off just 33 balls. Rajat possesses the ability to turn the tide of a match—not only by steadily building the innings but also by engaging in aggressive batting during the final overs.
3. Krunal Pandya
In the history of the IPL, Krunal Pandya is the only player to have won the 'Man of the Match' award twice in a final. Krunal knows how to deliver exceptional performances on big occasions and in high-stakes matches. In the first Qualifier, he played a magnificent innings of 43 runs while also claiming two crucial wickets. His bowling could prove to be highly effective at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium.
4. Shubman Gill
For Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, the 2026 IPL season has been magnificent as a batsman. Gill has amassed 722 runs across 15 matches, playing at a strike rate of 163. His confidence must have received a further boost after playing a century-knock in the second Qualifier. The Ahmedabad venue, in any case, suits the GT captain exceptionally well. He has scored 1,374 runs in 31 innings played at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, maintaining an average of 49 and a strike rate of 162.
Sai Sudharsan
The wicket of Sai Sudharsan—who is Shubman Gill's opening partner and is considered the backbone of GT's batting lineup—will be the most crucial one for RCB in the final match. Sudharsan has scored runs consistently throughout this entire season. He has amassed a total of 710 runs across 16 matches at a strike rate of 159.
Also Read: IPL Prize Money 2025 vs 2026: Winner, Runner-Up, Orange & Purple Cap
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback