Top News

defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by Gujarat Titans (GT) produced a brilliant all-round performance to defeat India by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 and book their place in the final for the second consecutive season. Playing at the beautiful HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, RCB outclassed GT in every department, proving why they have topped the table this season.

This emphatic win created an atmosphere of celebration among RCB fans, and the former franchise owner vijay mallya He was one of the first to share his joy after this spectacular victory.

Vijay Mallya reacts to RCB’s clinical performance

Although Mallya is no longer associated with the franchise after the major ownership change earlier this year, his emotional connection with RCB still remains strong. The businessman, who played a key role in building the team in the initial years of the IPL, took to social media to congratulate the team for their impressive playoff performance.

Praising the fearless approach shown by the Bengaluru-based franchise, Mallya posted an emotional message celebrating the team’s fighting spirit and aggressive cricket style.

“Many congratulations to RCB Namma Dodda Simhagulu for tonight’s emphatic win in Dharamsala. You have reached the IPL final roaring like the lions of Bengaluru.” He wrote on

It is noteworthy that Mallya has often spoken about his deep attachment to the franchise, especially since he played the franchise as a youth in 2008. Virat Kohli Played an important role in bringing in RCB setup. Despite his move away from the team, he has continued to publicly support Bengaluru at crucial moments.

Clinical RCB beats GT to reach finals

The Qualifier 1 encounter turned out to be a nightmare for Gujarat Titans as RCB’s batting line-up created complete havoc. After being asked to bat first, Bengaluru scored a mammoth 254/5 in their 20 overs. RCB has Venkatesh Iyer Was lost early, but Kohli kept the momentum of the innings going by scoring 43 runs in 25 balls. However, the innings was actually captain Rajat Patidar Who played one of the most explosive innings in IPL playoff history.

Patidar scored an unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, hitting five fours and nine lofted sixes, and his strike rate remained above 280. Krunal Pandya His aggressive partnership with GT completely changed the course of the game, as the pair demolished GT’s bowling attack in the final overs. RCB scored 86 runs in the last five overs, leaving an almost impossible target for Gujarat.

Chasing 255 under pressure, Gujarat Titans never looked settled. RCB’s fast bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, taking wickets again and again during the powerplay to immediately push GT back. jacob duffy He performed brilliantly with the ball and took three important wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya took two wickets each.

Although Rahul Tewatia fought back, scoring 68 off 43 balls, Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162. With this commanding win, RCB have now secured a direct entry into the IPL 2026 final and they will go into the title clash with immense confidence. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 as they prepare for a must-win encounter in Mallanpur.