NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru could have dominated Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, however former RCB star AB de Villiers believes the defending champions nonetheless have loads to fret about heading into Sunday’s IPL 2026 last in Ahmedabad.RCB and Gujarat Titans will battle for the title on the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, with each groups chasing their second IPL crown. Whereas RCB are aiming to develop into solely the third franchise to efficiently defend the trophy, GT want to add one other title to the one they gained in 2022.Regardless of RCB’s commanding 92-run win over Gujarat in Qualifier 1, De Villiers admitted he’s nervous concerning the problem posed by Shubman Gill’s facet, notably their bowling assault.“So I am nervous,” AB de Villiers stated.“It is GTs acquired loads to be assured about taking part in in Ahmedabad. The way in which they’ve performed that win the opposite evening, though the Suryavanshi issue was there, they nonetheless got here out on high and as soon as once more reveals you that good bowling assaults have a tendency to come back out on high on the finish of the day. So I am apprehensive about that bowling assault within the last, however I believe it should be fringe of the seat stuff and a implausible last and hopefully an in depth one. And for all of the followers around the globe to get pleasure from,” De Villiers stated through the ESPNcricinfo awards.RCB’s street to the ultimate has been spectacular. Below Rajat Patidar’s management, the defending champions completed atop the factors desk with 9 wins from 14 league matches. Their marketing campaign featured notable victories over Chennai Tremendous Kings, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Tremendous Giants and Gujarat Titans, whereas they sealed direct qualification for the ultimate with a crushing win over GT in Qualifier 1.The batting unit has as soon as once more been led by Virat Kohli, who has amassed 600 runs in 15 matches. Captain Patidar has additionally performed an important function, scoring 486 runs and main from the entrance all through the season.With the ball, veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has spearheaded the assault with 26 wickets, whereas teenager Rasikh Salam has emerged as one of many revelations of the match with 16 wickets from 11 matches.Gujarat Titans, nonetheless, arrive within the last with momentum of their very own. After ending among the many high two through the league stage, they bounced again from their Qualifier 1 defeat to beat Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 and e-book their place within the title conflict.Whereas RCB carry the arrogance of a dominant win over GT earlier within the playoffs, De Villiers’ concern highlights the risk posed by Gujarat’s bowling unit on their dwelling turf. With two of the season’s finest groups set to face off, the stage is completely set for an exhilarating IPL 2026 last.
