![Rahul Tewatia and Rasikh Salam [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779861332570_RahulTewatiaandRasikhSalam.jpg?type=hq)
Rahul Tewatia and Rasikh Salam [Source: X]
Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL 2026 Final with a crushing 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on May 26.
While Rajat Patidar’s breathtaking unbeaten 93 off 33 balls headlined the match, another dramatic moment grabbed massive attention during GT’s chase.
Young pacer Rasikh Salam Dar found himself in the middle of a heated exchange with Gujarat Titans finisher Rahul Tewatia during a tense phase of the innings. The verbal battle added extra spice to the Qualifier 1 RCB vs GT match already dominated by RCB’s ruthless performance with both bat and ball.
RCB Batters Dominated Before Bowlers Grabbed Headlines
RCB piled up a gigantic 254/5 after being asked to bat first. Virat Kohli smashed 43 off 25 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 30 from 19 deliveries.
However, it was skipper Rajat Patidar who completely dismantled the GT bowling attack with nine sixes and five fours at a staggering strike rate of 281.81.
GT’s chase never really recovered after a horror powerplay where they lost five wickets for just 51 runs. Yet amid the collapse, Rahul Tewatia tried to produce another rescue act that briefly brought some life back into the contest.
Also Read- IPL To Take Place 2 Times In A Year! BCCI Announces Massive Action
Rahul Tewatia And Rasikh Salam Dar Engage In Massive Banter
The incident happened when Rahul Tewatia targeted Rasikh during the middle overs. Tewatia smashed the RCB pacer for a six and a boundary in the over as GT attempted to revive their chase despite being deep in trouble.
On the following delivery, Tewatia once again looked to launch Rasikh straight down the ground. The pacer reacted instantly by firing the ball aggressively towards the stumps after collecting it in his follow-through.
Tewatia did not back away from the confrontation and reportedly told Rasikh, “If you can, do it again.” Rasikh Salam Dar immediately fired back with his own response, “If you can, hit me for a six then.”
Watch the video below:
The exchange quickly intensified as players from both teams watched the confrontation unfold. RCB wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma eventually stepped in and calmed the situation before things escalated further.
Rasikh Salam Delivers Maiden And Double Blow
Despite the pressure created by Rahul Tewatia’s counterattack, Rasikh responded brilliantly with the ball. The young pacer bowled a sensational spell of 3 overs, 1 maiden, 24 runs and 2 wickets.
His biggest contribution came during the powerplay when Gujarat Titans were collapsing rapidly. Rasikh Salam first removed Nishant Sindhu after the batter attempted an aggressive shot. Just three balls later, he dismissed Jason Holder for a duck, reducing GT to 51/5 inside six overs.
That over completely shifted the momentum further in RCB’s favour and ensured GT never managed to recover fully despite Tewatia’s late resistance.
RCB Completely Dominate Gujarat Titans
The match overall turned into a complete domination by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After Rajat Patidar’s explosive innings lifted RCB to the highest-ever playoff total in IPL history, the bowling unit dismantled GT from the start.
Jacob Duffy struck three wickets, including the bizarre hit-wicket dismissal of Sai Sudharsan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Shubman Gill cheaply and later dismissed Rahul Tewatia for 68 off 43 balls to end GT’s final hopes.
Josh Hazlewood also accounted for Jos Buttler, while Krunal Pandya cleaned up the lower order with two wickets.
GT eventually folded for 162 in 19.3 overs as RCB sealed a dominant 92-run victory and booked their place in the IPL 2026 Final.
Also Read- RCB Hit Gujarat Titans’ Biggest Choke Points To Storm Into IPL 2026 Final
