Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill face pace test as Bhuvneshwar Kumar-Kagiso Rabada battle looms large in RCB-GT Qualifier 1

The battle of pace could define IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala.

With both teams level on points and evenly matched in head-to-head results, the spotlight is likely to fall on the new-ball duels: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood versus Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada.

RCB’s hopes could rest on Bhuvneshwar’s impressive record against Gujarat’s top order, while Rabada’s long-standing contest with Virat Kohli may prove equally decisive. With pace expected to dominate conditions in Dharamsala, early breakthroughs could determine who moves one step closer to the title.