In form of ipl 2026 The playoffs are about to begin with the blockbuster Qualifier 1 match. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) And Gujarat Titans (GT)Former Indian opening batsman chris srikanth has revealed its predictions for this season’s eventual champion. With both teams entering the playoffs after impressive league campaigns, the title race has intensified, and Srikkanth believes one side has quietly made the strongest claim for glory.
Kris Srikkanth picks his favorites for IPL 2026 title
Speaking on his YouTube channel ahead of the playoffs, Srikkanth praised Gujarat Titans for their consistency and composure throughout the tournament. The former India captain believes that GT has played the most balanced cricket this season and has steadily improved as the competition has progressed, especially talking about players like jason holder And washington beautiful.
“I would give it to GT. They are steady force who will reach their destination. They will not go up or down at jet speed. Overall, they have played better cricket than RCB. They have also sorted out their middle order with Washington Sundar and Jason Holder. The only thing is that they should not play Tewatia and play someone else there instead. As RR did with Archer, GT can bat Rashid Khan up top. Holder should bat at number six with Rashid and at number seven.” Srikanth said.
GT has once again demonstrated its remarkable continuity in the IPL ecosystem. Since joining the league in 2022, they have emerged as one of the most reliable franchises, regularly reaching the playoffs and maintaining a strong winning culture under pressure.
Srikkanth calls RCB vs GT a “50-50” contest
Despite backing Gujarat Titans as title favourites, Srikkanth admitted that the Qualifier 1 encounter in Dharamsala could be a draw due to the conditions at the HPCA Stadium. The venue’s batting-friendly surface and quick outfield is expected to lead to a high-scoring encounter between the two explosive batting line-ups.
“It will be a 50-50 match because they are playing in Dharamshala. Had they been playing in New Chandigarh, RCB would have been the favourites. GT’s batting is heavily dependent on the top three. They somehow score in every match, but if two out of three fail, they will be in trouble. For RCB to win, Padikkal and Kohli will have to score. Their middle order can either crumble or falter. That is why Kohli And it is important for Padikkal to score. Don’t make a partnership, RCB may face problems. He said.
Also read: Here’s how Gujarat Titans (GT) have performed in the IPL playoffs
Both teams are eyeing direct qualification for the IPL 2026 finals.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru remained on top of the IPL 2026 points table after overtaking GT on net run rate by winning nine of their 14 league matches. However, after suffering a crushing defeat against RCB, it has reached the playoffs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) In their final league match.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans sealed their place in the top two with a dominant win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on the back of another stellar batting performance. Sai Sudarshan And jos buttler. The winner of Qualifier 1 will secure a direct berth in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, while the losing team will get another chance in Qualifier 2 against Sunrisers Hyderabad or Hyderabad. Rajasthan Royals (RR).
Too [WATCH]: Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill’s beard before RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 match
