Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), riding an extraordinary 9-wicket demolition of DC (bowled them out for 75), are favourites when they face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 42 of IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Wednesday, April 30, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST. RCB sit 2nd with 12 points (W6, L2), while GT are 6th with 8 points (W4, L4).
RCB won the first meeting between these sides just 6 days ago, beating GT by 5 wickets at the Chinnaswamy despite Sai Sudharsan‘s century. Virat Kohli (81) and Devdutt Padikkal (55) powered a 115-run second-wicket stand to chase down GT’s total. However, GT bounced back with a convincing win over CSK, with Sudharsan scoring back-to-back centuries. Additionally, Kohli crossed 9,000 IPL runs against DC, becoming the first player to reach that landmark.
GT vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 42: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Match 42, IPL 2026 (Reverse Fixture) |
| Teams | Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Date | Wednesday, April 30, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| GT Captain | Shubman Gill |
| RCB Captain | Rajat Patidar |
| IPL 2026 Standings | RCB: 2nd (W6, L2 = 12 pts) | GT: 6th (W4, L4 = 8 pts) |
| Previous Meeting (Match 34) | RCB won by 5 wickets at Chinnaswamy (Apr 24) |
Both teams won their most recent matches. GT beat CSK with Sudharsan’s back-to-back century. RCB obliterated DC, bowling them out for 75 (the lowest score of IPL 2026). The reverse fixture sets up a fascinating rematch at GT’s home ground.
Season Stats Comparison: GT vs RCB in IPL 2026
Here is Stat Comparison of both Teams:
Batting Stats: IPL 2026 Season Comparison
| Metric | GT | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Top Run-Scorer | Sudharsan (back-to-back centuries; form of his life) | Kohli (478+ runs, avg 59.75, SR 163.18; crossed 9,000 IPL runs) |
| Captain’s Form | Gill (251+ runs; Orange Cap earlier in season) | Patidar (consistent; SR 184.33) |
| Overseas Star | Buttler (returned to form; classical at No. 3) | Tim David (70* off 25 vs CSK; finisher) |
| Key Addition | Shahrukh Khan (in starting XI per ak4tsay1) | Padikkal (55 off 27 vs GT; 34* vs DC) |
Kohli‘s 9,000 IPL runs are a milestone no other player has reached. His 478+ runs at an average of 59.75 and SR 163.18 (career-best) make him the tournament’s most impactful batter. Furthermore, his 81 against GT in the first meeting showed he can dominate their bowling.
Sudharsan‘s back-to-back centuries are the story of GT’s season. His 100 against RCB (Match 34) set up a competitive total, and his subsequent century against CSK kept GT’s playoff hopes alive. However, GT’s death bowling was restricted to just 31 runs in 4 overs in the first meeting, which was the difference.
Bowling Stats: IPL 2026 Season Comparison
| Metric | GT | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Pacer | Rabada (3 wkts vs KKR; consistent) | Bhuvneshwar (3/5 vs DC; now holds Purple Cap) |
| Key Change | Prasidh Krishna DROPPED for Arshad Khan | Hazlewood (4/12 vs DC; match-winner) |
| Spin Leader | Rashid Khan (24 IPL wkts at this venue) | Suyash Sharma (1/7 vs DC; growing role) |
| New Ball | Siraj (PP eco 7.41) + Rabada | Bhuvneshwar + Hazlewood (7 wkts combined vs DC) |
| Death Overs | Weakness (31 in 4 overs conceded vs RCB M34) | Rasikh Dar (1/21 vs DC; reliable) |
RCB’s bowling destroyed DC for 75, the lowest total in IPL 2026. Bhuvneshwar‘s 3/5 earned him the Purple Cap, while Hazlewood‘s 4/12 was the match-winning spell. DC were 8/6 after just 23 balls. That performance confirmed RCB’s bowling is the best in the tournament right now.
GT dropped Prasidh Krishna (former Purple Cap holder) for Arshad Khan in the CSK match. That was a bold call, but it worked. However, against RCB’s batting (Kohli, Padikkal, Patidar, Tim David), GT’s death-overs bowling is the weak link. They conceded just 31 in 4 overs vs RCB in the first meeting, but that was an improvement from previous games.
What Happened in the First Meeting (Match 34)?
At the Chinnaswamy on April 24, Sudharsan scored a brilliant 100 for GT. However, RCB’s death bowling restricted GT to just 31 runs in the last 4 overs after Sudharsan’s dismissal. In reply, Kohli (81) and Padikkal (55 off 27) put on a stunning 115-run second-wicket partnership that took the game away from GT.
Although GT fought back by dismissing both set batters and Patidar in quick succession (RCB were 173/5), Krunal Pandya (23 off 12) and Tim David calmly finished the job with 7 balls to spare.
GT vs RCB Head-to-Head Record in IPL
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Total IPL Meetings | 7 (GT joined 2022) |
| GT Wins | 3 |
| RCB Wins | 4 |
| Most Recent (Match 34, 2026) | RCB won by 5 wickets (Kohli 81, Padikkal 55) |
| At Ahmedabad | GT has historically been strong at home |
RCB lead 4-3 in 8 meetings (1 NR). However, GT have been strong at the Narendra Modi Stadium across seasons. Rashid Khan‘s 24 IPL wickets at this venue make it his personal fortress. The home advantage could be the factor that tilts this contest towards GT.
GT Predicted Playing XI vs RCB
GT changed their XI for the CSK match, dropping Prasidh Krishna and bringing in Shahrukh Khan and Arshad Khan. They are likely to persist with this combination.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sai Sudharsan | Opener |
| 2 | Shubman Gill (c) | Opener / Captain |
| 3 | Jos Buttler (wk) | No. 3 / Wicketkeeper |
| 4 | Washington Sundar | All-rounder |
| 5 | Shahrukh Khan | Middle Order |
| 6 | Jason Holder | All-rounder |
| 7 | Anuj Rawat | WK-Batter |
| 8 | Manav Suthar | Left-arm Spinner |
| 9 | Rashid Khan | Leg-spinner |
| 10 | Kagiso Rabada | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Arshad Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia
RCB Predicted Playing XI vs GT
Phil Salt is expected to return per ak4tsay1. If Salt plays, Jacob Bethell drops out. Otherwise, RCB remains unchanged from the DC demolition.
| # | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | Opener |
| 2 | Phil Salt (wk) | Opener / Wicketkeeper |
| 3 | Devdutt Padikkal | No. 3 |
| 4 | Rajat Patidar (c) | No. 4 / Captain |
| 5 | Jitesh Sharma (wk) | WK-Batter |
| 6 | Tim David | Finisher |
| 7 | Romario Shepherd | Pace All-rounder |
| 8 | Krunal Pandya | Spin All-rounder |
| 9 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Pace Bowler |
| 10 | Josh Hazlewood | Pace Bowler |
| 11 | Rasikh Salam Dar | Pace Bowler |
Impact Player Options: Suyash Sharma (if Salt returns), Jacob Bethell (if Salt misses), Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav
Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report
| Pitch Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Surface Type | Red soil with black soil sections; could use either pitch |
| Red Soil Pitch | High-scoring, true bounce, avg 197 on Pitch 5 |
| Black Soil Pitch | Low-scoring; spin-friendly; suits GT per ak4tsay1 |
| GT Home Record (2026) | Mixed results; strong vs MI (4-0 historically) |
| Rashid Khan at NMS | 24 IPL wickets; his personal fortress |
| Dew Factor | Moderate; expected after sunset |
The pitch choice is key. If a red-soil pitch is used, expect a high-scoring affair (avg 197). If a black-soil pitch is used, it becomes a low-scoring contest that suits GT’s bowling (Rashid + Manav Suthar). Per ak4tsay1, GT “won’t mind” a black-soil pitch given how strong RCB’s batting is.
Key Player Battles to Watch
Here are the Key Player Battles from both teams
Virat Kohli vs Rashid Khan
Kohli‘s 478+ runs at SR 163.18 against Rashid‘s 24 wickets at this venue is the marquee battle. Kohli scored 81 against GT in the first meeting, handling Rashid comfortably during the chase. However, Rashid at his home ground is a different proposition, and the slower Ahmedabad surface could make his leg-spin more effective.
Sudharsan vs Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Sudharsan‘s back-to-back centuries against Bhuvneshwar‘s Purple Cap form (3/5 vs DC) is the powerplay headline battle. In the first meeting, Sudharsan scored 100 but was restricted in the death overs. If Bhuvneshwar can contain Sudharsan early, GT’s batting loses its biggest weapon.
Salt’s Return vs GT’s Pace
If Phil Salt returns, RCB regain their most explosive powerplay batter. Against Siraj‘s eco 7.41 and Rabada‘s pace, Salt’s ability to counterattack could set the tone. However, Salt missed two matches and may need time to adjust.
GT vs RCB IPL 2026 Match 42: Match Prediction
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are favourites even at GT’s home ground. Three factors support this prediction.
Why RCB Will Win at Ahmedabad
First, bowling form. RCB bowled DC out for 75 (the lowest IPL 2026 score). Bhuvneshwar (Purple Cap, 3/5) and Hazlewood (POTM, 4/12) are in career-best IPL form. That bowling attack can restrict any batting order, including GT’s.
Second, they won the first meeting. Despite Sudharsan’s century, RCB chased down the total with 7 balls to spare. Kohli‘s 81 and Padikkal‘s 55 showed they can handle GT’s bowling. Furthermore, Krunal and Tim David finished the job clinically.
Third, overall balance. RCB have 12 points from 8 matches and sit 2nd. Their batting (Kohli 478+, Padikkal in form, Salt likely back, Tim David finishing) and bowling (Bhuvneshwar, Hazlewood, Rasikh) are both firing. GT have 8 points and need to win 4 of 7 remaining just to reach the playoffs.
Can GT Win at Their Home Fortress?
GT’s best chance lies in Sudharsan‘s century form and Rashid‘s home advantage (24 wickets at this venue). If GT bats first on a black-soil pitch and Sudharsan posts another big score, their bowling can restrict RCB on a turning surface. Additionally, Gill‘s form at this ground and the crowd support give GT a genuine belief.
However, GT’s death-overs bowling (31 in 4 overs vs RCB in M34) and the loss of Prasidh Krishna from the starting XI are concerns. Against RCB’s in-form top order, GT need their bowling to step up significantly from the first meeting.
Prediction: Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win. RCB’s bowling form (DC bowled out for 75) and Kohli’s dominance (81 vs GT, 9,000 IPL runs) make them the clear favourites.
Toss Prediction: Both captains will prefer bowling first. Dew after sunset favours chasing. However, if a black-soil pitch is used, batting first becomes a viable option.
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Final Verdict
Match 42 of IPL 2026 is the reverse fixture of a contest RCB won 6 days ago. Sudharsan‘s back-to-back centuries and Rashid‘s home fortress make GT dangerous.
However, RCB’s bowling (Bhuvneshwar Purple Cap, Hazlewood POTM) and Kohli‘s 9,000-run milestone form give the defending champions the edge. GT needs everything to go right, while RCB just needs to repeat what they’ve been doing all season.
