The **Indian Premier League** playoffs are here, and it brings a massive top of-the table clash. Both **RCB** and **GT** have been in phenomenal form this season, finishing as the top two teams. The stakes for this **T20** blockbuster are incredibly high: the winner marches straight to the final, while the losing side gets a second chance in the eliminator against the Qualifier 2 winner. 

If you are looking for the perfect **Dream11 Prediction** and **Fantasy Winning Team** strategies, this comprehensive preview has everything you need to dominate your fantasy contests and climb the leaderboard.

### Match Details

* **Match:** **RCB** vs **GT**
* **Date:** 26 May 2026
* **Time:** 19:30 **IST**
* **Venue:** **Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium**, Dharamsala

### Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

* **JioHotstar(App + Website)**
* **Star Sport Channels**

### Weather Report

The weather in Dharamsala will be cool and pleasant for this evening clash. Temperatures will hover around 20 to 24 degrees Celsius. There is minimal **Rain impact** expected, ensuring a full game. However, the **Dew factor** will play a significant role in the second innings, making chasing the preferred option for the captain winning the toss.

### Pitch Report & Venue Stats

The **Pitch Report** for the **Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium** suggests an absolute batting paradise. The high altitude allows the ball to travel faster, making clearing the boundaries easier. 

* **Batting vs bowling trend:** Heavily favors the batters, especially in the first innings.
* **Pace vs spin dominance:** Pacers rule this venue. In the last 5 matches, pacers have taken **48 wickets** compared to just **12 wickets** for spinners.
* **Average score:** A massive **222 runs**.

**Fantasy Takeaway:** Load your team with top order batters and death over pacers. Spinners might struggle to contain runs here.

### Team Form & Head to-Head

**RCB**
* Last 5 matches: LWWWL
* Recent performance summary: **RCB** has been explosive with the bat, consistently crossing the 200-run mark. Their pace attack has also been highly effective in the powerplay.
* Head to-head record: 4 wins against **GT**.

**GT**
* Last 5 matches: WLWWW
* Recent performance summary: **GT** enters this game with incredible momentum, boasting a rock solid top order and a lethal pace battery.
* Head to-head record: 4 wins against **RCB**.

### Injury Updates & Player Availability

* All key players from both squads are reported to be **Fully fit**.
* There are no **Injured** or **Doubtful** players for this crucial playoff fixture.

### Probable Playing XI (Both Teams)

**RCB**

Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma

**GT**

Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tewatia, Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Arshad Khan

### Key Players to Watch

* **Virat Kohli**: He is having a dream **IPL** season with **557 runs**. His ability to anchor the innings makes him a must have for your fantasy team.
* **Sai Sudharsan**: Leading the run charts for **GT** with **638 runs**. He is incredibly consistent and thrives in high pressure **T20** games.
* **Bhuvneshwar Kumar**: With **24 wickets** this season, he is the spearhead of the **RCB** bowling attack and lethal with the new ball.
* **Shubman Gill**: He has smashed **616 runs** and loves batting on flat tracks where the ball comes nicely onto the bat.

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### Fantasy Picks

**Small League Safe Picks**
* **Virat Kohli**
* **Shubman Gill**
* **Jos Buttler**

**Mega League Differential Picks**
* **Rasikh Salam**: He has picked up **14 wickets** and is a brilliant differential pick for death overs.
* **Jason Holder**: A fantastic all rounder who can grab crucial wickets and score quick runs in the lower order.

### Match Prediction / Outlook

This is a battle of equals, but **GT** holds a slight edge due to their superior bowling depth in pressure situations. However, if the **RCB** top order fires on this batting friendly pitch, they can easily run away with the game. Expect a high scoring thriller where the team chasing might have the final laugh due to the dew.

### Disclaimer

Always check **Final Playing XI** and **Toss updates** before locking your fantasy team. Player availability and pitch conditions can change at the last minute.

Get the ultimate fantasy cricket preview for the RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash. Discover pitch reports, player stats, and top picks for your Mega Leagues.

IPL 2026

GT vs RCB

Qualifier 1

Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium

RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 Match Preview, Playing XI & Fantasy Tips

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