Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Phil Salt (L-R). PC- AFP/AP
The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), played a tight game against the Delhi Capitals but lost. Now, they are up against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 34 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on Friday (April 24).
Batting first, the Royal Challengers had a scintillating start, thanks to Phil Salt's quickfire 63. The top and middle order had nice starts from the other end, but none of them could convert it into a knock like Salt's blitz.
Moreover, Jitesh Sharma got struck in the fag-end of the innings as RCB finished on 175/8 - 10-15 runs short of where they could have ended.
Nevertheless, the bowlers, especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar, gave them a wonderful start with three wickets inside his first two overs, but KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs revived it for DC, before Stubbs and David Miller got them home.
RCB Playing XI vs GT, IPL 2026, Match 34
Top Order: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal
Phil Salt played a dashing innings of 63 runs off 38 balls against DC. Although his knock went in vain, the explosive Englishman did his work. Considering his poor form in the 2026 T20 World Cup, Salt is doing wonders for Bengaluru. Thus, he will surely be a part of the RCB Playing XI vs GT.
King Virat Kohli smoked three audacious boundaries against DC, but his innings was cut short by Lungi Ngidi. As RCB lost that match, Kohli will be doubly motivated while playing against GT.
Also Read: Jacob Bethell Issued Fresh Instructions Amid Demands To Leave RCB
Devdutt Padikkal started the season with two successive half-centuries, but he has been failing since then. In his last three outings, he has had starts but failed to convert them into match-winning knocks. With Venkatesh Iyer sitting out, DDP will have to start firing, as he is a vital cog of this RCB batting wheel.
Middle Order & All-Rounders: Rajat Patidar, Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya
The Indian duo of Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma are in contrasting form. The RCB captain is in awesome form, but he failed in the last outing. His deputy, on the other hand, has yet to play a good hand with the bat.
Just like Rajat-Jitesh, RCB's foreign duo of Tim David and Romario Shepherd are having contrasting seasons. David is having a fantastic season, while Shepherd is struggling. Additionally, the team management is under-utilising Shepherd the bowler. However, the Caribbean all-rounder will be retained in the RCB Playing XI vs GT.
Why Jacob Bethell won't be included in RCB Playing XI?
Jacob Bethell is no doubt touted as once-in-a-generation cricketer, who was in superb form in the 2026 T20 World Cup. If Bethell has to play, Bengaluru would need to play him either in the top order or at number 5 at the very least. However, he is not currently fitting in RCB's team combination.
The canny Krunal Pandya is delivering game after game for RCB. His batting credentials are going underused in this RCB Playing XI, but he has been their biggest match-winner with the ball.
Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam
Veteran swing king, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was on song in the previous game. His three wickets inside the powerplay set the tone vs DC, but his bowling efforts were wasted as they couldn't finish off well. However, Bhuvi will be again be a key pick in the RCB Playing XI vs GT.
The Bhuvi-Josh Hazlewood pairing is one of the deadliest going around in the IPL 2026. The Aussie big gun gave away 38 runs in his four overs, without bagging any wicket. However, he will be a part of the RCB Playing XI.
Just like Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam too had an off day. He registered a similar spell, but will retain his place. Suyash Sharma will likely be the Impact Player.
RCB Playing XI vs GT- Match 34, IPL 2026
Phil Salt
Virat Kohli
Devdutt Padikkal
Rajat Patidar (c)
Tim David
Jitesh Sharma (wk)
Romario Shepherd
Krunal Pandya
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Hazlewood
Rasikh Salam
RCB vs GT Impact Player Options
RCB Impact Players: Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Jacob Bethell
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