New Delhi, May 31: Former Indian cricketer and national selector Jatin Paranjpe believes that the outcome of the IPL 2026 final, set to take place on Sunday in Ahmedabad between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT), will largely depend on how quickly RCB’s fast bowlers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood can dismiss GT’s openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.
In an interview on Saturday, Paranjpe stated, “The key battle in the final will be between Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood against Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. Gill and Sudharsan have been the most successful opening pair in this year’s IPL. If RCB can get them out early, the match could become extremely exciting.”
He added, “RCB’s top-order batsmen will also face a tough challenge from GT’s pace duo, Kagiso Rabada and Mohammad Siraj. All eyes will be on Siraj’s availability after his shoulder injury. Rabada has had success against Virat Kohli in T20s, having dismissed him five times in 17 innings. Meanwhile, Siraj has troubled Devdutt Padikkal, getting him out three times in eight innings.”
Paranjpe emphasized the significance of this final for both teams. “If RCB wins the title for the second consecutive year, it could mark a new era of dominance for them. GT won the title in 2022, but lost to Chennai Super Kings in the final last year. For captain Shubman Gill, winning more titles is crucial. As captain of India in two formats, he would want to win the world’s biggest T20 tournament as well. I am sure he aspires to lead India in T20 cricket too. Thus, the title is vital for RCB as a team, while for GT, it holds importance for both the captain and the team.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood have had impressive performances in IPL 2026. Kumar has taken 26 wickets in 15 matches, while Hazlewood has claimed 13 wickets in 12 matches.
Looking at the season’s performance of Gill and Sudharsan, Gill has scored 722 runs in 15 innings, including one century and six half-centuries. Sudharsan has amassed 710 runs in 16 innings, with one century and eight half-centuries. Their contributions have been pivotal in leading GT to the final, with Gill’s 104-run innings against Rajasthan Royals in the second qualifier being particularly noteworthy.
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