The high-voltage drama of IPL 2026 moves to the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad today, Thursday, April 30, as a red-hot Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) takes on the Gujarat Titans (GT).
While RCB enters the fray with significant winning momentum, they face a selection headache following an injury to their star opener, Phil Salt. With the English wicketkeeper-batsman reportedly ruled out of this clash, the Bengaluru management is set to shuffle their top order to maintain their aggressive scoring rate.
A New Opening Pair
In the absence of Phil Salt, batting maestro Virat Kohli will be paired with England’s rising star Jacob Bethell. The young all-rounder is expected to provide the explosive left-handed flair at the top, allowing Kohli to anchor the innings while taking advantage of the powerplay. Following them, the middle order looks solid with Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar (who is also leading the side this season). Both domestic stalwarts have been in sublime touch, consistently finding the boundaries during the middle overs to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The Finishess and Bowling Arsenal
RCB’s middle and lower-middle order boast incredible depth with the likes of Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, and Krunal Pandya. Shepherd’s raw power and Krunal’s tactical all-round play provide the team with the necessary balance to finish big.
- The Bowling Attack: The pace battery will be spearheaded by the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the lethal Josh Hazlewood.
- Spin Department: Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya will handle the spin duties on the Ahmedabad track, which has shown tendencies to assist slow bowlers as the game progresses.
- The Impact Sub: In a strategic tactical move, the big-hitting Tim David is expected to be utilized as the Impact Player, likely replacing a specialist bowler during the second innings to bolster the finishing act.
RCB Predicted Playing XI vs GT
- Virat Kohli
- Jacob Bethell
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Rajat Patidar (C)
- Jitesh Sharma (WK)
- Romario Shepherd
- Krunal Pandya
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Josh Hazlewood
- Suyash Sharma
- Rasikh Salam
- Impact Player: Tim David (Replacing a bowler)