The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is at the end, with two finalists in defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) locked in. The two franchises, which finished amongst the top two in the league stage, will take the field in the summit clash on Sunday, May 31, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
With both teams eyeing their second IPL title, the Bengaluru-based franchise is coming off a win in Qualifier 1, whereas Shubman Gill & Co. defeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 to seal the final spot. But before the big day, both RCB and GT will be looking to prepare for the best as the players also aim to put up their best performance in the season in the finale. With all eyes set on the prize, in this article, we have listed the combined best XI of the top two franchises of this season.
Best combined XI of RCB and GT ahead of IPL 2026 Final
- Openers: Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan
Beginning with the openers, the well-settled opening duo of GT – Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan – have been in great form this season. Joining Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the race for the Orange Cap, Shubman Gill has scored 722 runs in 15 matches so far at a strike rate of 163.71 and an average of 48.13. On the other hand, Sudharsan sits just behind Gill with 710 runs in 16 matches and a strike rate of 159.55.
- Middle-order batters: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Jos Buttler (wk)
The middle order comprises two RCB players along with wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler. Kohli, who once again had a brilliant season with the bat at the top for RCB, retains his place in the best XI, boasting 600 runs across 15 matches. He is joined by the skipper of the side, Rajat Patidar. While the RCB skipper has amassed only 486 runs across 13 innings thus far, he has played some brilliant knocks. The RCB duo is joined by GT’s Jos Buttler. Although the English international hasn’t had his best season, he has been among the runs for GT, scoring 507 runs across 16 matches, and has also been crucial behind the wickets.
- All-rounders: Washington Sundar, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Jason Holder
As we go down the order, we have picked four all-rounders – all of whom have been vital cogs in their teams’ performances this season. Sundar, the Indian all-rounder, hasn’t had a great season with the ball but has amassed 327 runs across 15 innings for GT at a strike rate of over 150. He is joined by Australian hard-hitter Tim David, who has scored 281 runs for RCB in their title defence, including an unbeaten 70 against CSK.
Joining the above two are Krunal Pandya and Jason Holder. India and RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya has been their go-to man when it comes to pressure games. The Gujarat-born has been one of the most dependable all-rounders and has proved his worth with the bat as well as the ball. This season, Krunal has scored 225 runs across 8 innings and has picked 13 wickets in 14 innings.
Speaking of the Barbados-born, Jason Holder has been key for the Titans. Having been roped in by GT for INR 7 crore ahead of IPL 2025, Holder has proved his worth. He has picked up 17 wickets across 10 innings for GT this season, at an economy of 7.54. Holder’s best figures of 4/24 this season have come at the Narendra Modi Stadium against the Punjab Kings (PBKS).
- Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada
To complete the XI, we have Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Kagiso Rabada. Reckoned as the king of swing, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dominated the majority of IPL 2026 as the leading wicket-taker and is still in the race with GT’s Rabada for the Purple Cap. The Indian veteran has picked up 26 wickets across 15 matches at an economy of 8. He is joined by the Protean international, who currently holds the Purple Cap with 28 scalps to his name across 16 matches.
- Impact Player: Rasikh Salam
RCB’s Rasikh Salam Dar has been a surprise enforcer in IPL 2026. The 26-year-old bowler has been crucial, delivering key breakthroughs and controlled death-over spells, making him an ideal impact player option.
Combined XI for RCB and GT ahead of IPL 2026 Final
| S. No. | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shubman Gill | GT |
| 2 | Sai Sudharsan | GT |
| 3 | Virat Kohli | RCB |
| 4 | Rajat Patidar | RCB |
| 5 | Jos Buttler (wk) | GT |
| 6 | Washington Sundar | GT |
| 7 | Tim David | RCB |
| 8 | Krunal Pandya | RCB |
| 9 | Jason Holder | GT |
| 10 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB |
| 11 | Kagiso Rabada | GT |
| Impact | Rasikh Salam | RCB |
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