Why is Sai Kishore not playing RCB vs GT IPL 2026 final?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Sai Kishore played for GT in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) are squaring off in the final of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Sunday, May 31. The encounter is taking place at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Both teams are aiming to win their second title in IPL history. RCB are the defending champions of the tournament while GT won their maiden trophy in IPL 2022.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to field first in the clash. They have named the same playing XI for the match. On the other hand, GT have made one change to their playing XI. Spinner Sai Kishore missed out, making way for Arshad Khan. Kishore played in Qualifier 2 against the Rajasthan Royals.
Why is Sai Kishore not playing in IPL 2026 final?
Gujarat have dropped Sai Kishore for the match. Arshad has featured in seven games and picked five wickets at an economy of 10.50. Kishore has played only three games, where he clinched one wicket at an economy of 11.50.
Speaking at the toss, Shubman Gill said, “No, we would have batted first, honestly. It looks like a good wicket and final game, so hopefully have some runs on the board and put them under pressure. One of the biggest stadiums in the world, if not the biggest. Always a privilege and a pleasure to play in such a big ground. We’ve got one change. Arshad (Khan) comes back in for Sai (Kishore)”.
GT’s Playing XI: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj.
RCB’s Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar.
Why is Sai Kishore not part of RCB vs GT clash?
He has been dropped for the clash and replaced by Arshad Khan.
Who won the toss in IPL 2026 final?
RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first in the encounter.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.