How RCB made it into Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026? Relive their road to playoffs
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
RCB will face GT in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 in Dharamsala on Tuesday.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the defending champions and produced yet another consistent campaign. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB secured a playoff berth with games to spare and eventually finished at the top of the points table.
RCB‘s success was built on contributions from both their batting and bowling units. Virat Kohli remained among the leading run-scorers for the franchise, while bowlers such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya delivered consistently throughout the tournament.
The Bengaluru-based franchise finished the league stage with 18 points and secured first place despite suffering a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league game. Their position at the top ensured a direct spot in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans (GT).
RCB’s match-by-match journey in IPL 2026
RCB began their campaign with a victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by six wickets before defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 43 runs. Their first major setback came against RR, where they lost by six wickets. However, they were strong enough to make a comeback, winning against Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets.
Their two wins were followed by defeat against Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets in Bengaluru. The wins against GT and DC in their next two games helped RCB establish themselves among the frontrunners for the playoffs. However, there was a slight hiccup for them when they lost two back to back games against GT and LSG.
RCB followed that setback with crucial wins against MI and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). One of the defining moments of RCB’s season came when they defeated MI in a high-pressure fixture by two wickets, which almost confirmed their place in the playoffs.
The defending champions then defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs to strengthen their chances of finishing in the top two. Although they suffered a 55-run defeat against SRH in their final league match, other results ensured that they remained at the top of the standings.
By the end of the league stage, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had secured nine wins and finished with 18 points.
Who is the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Rajat Patidar is leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Which teams defeated RCB in IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered defeats against Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad during the league phase.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.