Changes In The Middle-Order? GT's Strongest XI Vs RCB- IPL 2026, Qualifier 1

Shubman Gill and Kagiso Rabada - (Source: AFP)

On Tuesday, May 26, Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will meet for the third time in IPL 2026 as they lock heads in qualifier 1. The two teams will square off at the Dharamshala Stadium in Himachal Pradesh.

RCB finished top of the table with 18 points in 14 matches, while Gujarat Titans were below them with equal points but a poor net run-rate. The last time these two teams met was at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where the Shubman Gill-led side handed RCB a comfortable defeat.

GT vs RCB Preview

For RCB, they have dealt a heavy blow as Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of IPL 2026 because of a finger injury. The positive is that Phil Salt, who missed the last six matches, is back and was present on the ground during RCB’s last match against SRH. The question is whether Salt comes back in or Venkatesh Iyer continues to open the innings.

For Gujarat Titans, they had a perfect game against Chennai Super Kings, and it is to be seen whether the Shubman Gill-led side will make any changes to their playing XI or not. Therefore, this article will look at GT’s strongest playing XI vs RCB in IPL 2026 qualifier 1.

Gujarat Titans Likely Playing XI vs RCB- Match 71

Openers and Top Order (Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler)

Gujarat Titans have one of the finest top 3 in the IPL. Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler are all on top form. Talking about the last game, Gill and Sai stitched a 125-run stand, while Jos Buttler also contributed, and scored 57 (27).

Talking about the entire season, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan are the only opening pair to score 600 runs each in IPL 2026. Further, Jos Buttler has amassed 469 runs in 14 matches.

Middle Order and All Rounders (Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Nishant Sandhu)

In the middle-order too, GT are unlikely to make any changes to their playing XI. Washington Sundar, surprisingly, has been good, amassing 303 runs in IPL 2026. Further, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, and Nishant Sandhu will feature in the middle-order.

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So far, GT’s middle-order has not been exposed to tough situations. It is a blessing that the top-order has been doing really great, but the Shubman Gill-led side does not want that situation to come during the playoffs.

Bowlers (Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada)

Among the bowlers, Rashid Khan has been in fine form and picked up 19 wickets in 14 innings. Similarly, Kagiso Rabada is in the race for the purple cap as the South Africa international has 24 wickets in 14 innings.

Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj will be the other two seamers to help Kagiso Rabada in the pace attack. Further, Arshad Khan will come in as an impact sub.

GT Predicted Playing XI vs RCB- Qualifier 1, IPL 2026

Shubman Gill (C)
Sai Sudharsan
Jos Buttler (WK)
Washington Sundar
Rahul Tewatia
Jason Holder
Nishant Sandhu
Rashid Khan
Prasidh Krishna
Mohammed Siraj
Kagiso Rabada