IPL 2026: All major changes RCB should make to their playing XI against GT in Qualifier 1

RCB finished at the top of the points table after the league stage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to clash with the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League 2026. The encounter will take place on Tuesday, May 26, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

RCB showed impressive form in the league stage, winning 9 and losing 5 of 14 matches. They looked like a balanced side in both batting and bowling, and remained dominant since the start of the tournament. The Rajat Patidar & Co. were also the first team to book a berth in the playoffs.

Qualifier 1 is a crucial game for both sides as it will give a direct entry to the final. Although RCB are a strong side, they could make a few changes in their playing XI for the encounter. Let’s discuss a few changes that RCB should make for the Qualifier 1 clash of IPL 2026.

Changes RCB should go ahead for Qualifier 1 vs GT

Phil Salt over Romario Shepherd

Phil Salt has rejoined the RCB squad after recovering from his finger injury. He is also expected to be available for Qualifier 1. If Salt is fit to play, he should be included in the playing XI in place of Romario Shepherd.

The latter has completely flopped with his performance. He has scored just 83 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 125. At an economy of 11.79, Shepherd has clinched 7 wickets. He has also struggled to bat aggressively in the lower order.

Richard Gleeson over Suyash Sharma

RCB should drop Suyash Sharma from the playing XI and add pacer Richard Gleeson. A pacer will add strength to RCB’s bowling unit and will be more useful than a spinner in Dharamsala. Gleeson joined the team ahead of the SRH match. He replaced injured Nuwan Thusara.

Gleeson has played three games in the IPL so far, clinching two wickets at an economy of 9.71. He played for CSK in 2024 and the Mumbai Indians in the 2025 edition. On the other hand, Suyash has picked up just 9 wickets in 12 games at an economy of 9.20. As a result, RCB need a better option than Suyash.

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