GT Vs RCB IPL 2026 Match Preview: Pitch Report, Predicted Playing XI, And Weather At Narendra Modi Stadium

Tonight in Ahmedabad, two of the most popular IPL franchises go head-to-head. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are sitting 2nd on the points table with 12 points from 8 matches. A win here could take them to the top, above the Punjab Kings. Gujarat Titans, on the other hand, are 5th with 8 points from 8 matches and need a win badly to stay in the top-four race.

RCB have looked like a proper title-contending side this season. Their recent 9-wicket demolition of Delhi Capitals showed just how dangerous they can be when everything clicks. Virat Kohli has been their batting backbone with 351 runs at an average of 58.50, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar has led the bowling with 14 wickets. Josh Hazlewood's 4/12 against DC was a reminder of how sharp their pace attack is.

GT is coming into this match on the back of a strong win against the Chennai Super Kings. They restricted CSK to 158/7 with a disciplined bowling effort. Kagiso Rabada led the attack with three wickets. In pursuit of the target, Sai Sudharsan played a brilliant knock of 87 runs, and GT chased down the target in just 16.4 overs. But they have been inconsistent across the season and will need to be at their very best to stop this RCB side.

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the largest cricket stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of around 132,000. It is a magnificent, modern venue that creates a breathtaking atmosphere under the floodlights. For Gujarat Titans, this is home ground, and the stands will be packed with orange-clad GT fans tonight, which gives the home side a real energy boost.

Ahmedabad in late April is very hot. The current temperature today is around 36°C, with the day's high touching 41°C. By match time at 7:30 PM, temperatures are expected to cool to around 28 to 32°C. There is virtually no chance of rain or thunderstorms, so a full 40-over contest is guaranteed. One important factor to watch is the dew. Dew is expected later in the evening, which can make bowling second slightly more difficult. This could play a big role in the toss decision tonight.

The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium is known for its true bounce and good carry. It favours batters. Pacers can get movement early with the new ball, but once batters settle in, stroke play becomes easier and boundaries start flowing. Spinners can be effective with flight and tight lines, especially given the larger boundaries, though the surface offers limited turn. A par score at this venue in IPL 2026 is typically 180 to 200. Teams winning the toss are likely to consider chasing, keeping the dew factor in mind.

Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Prasidh Krishna, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Salam Dar.