The finals of IPL 2026, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) versus Gujarat Titans (GT), will be more than just a competition for the trophy. Two boss players, each with an outstanding game in an exceptional season for his club, are at the heart of the fight.
Shubman Gill and Rajat Patidar start off their final as the most profitable players in the Indian Premier League. Gill, along with their side, the Gujarat Titans, have provided ₹35.14 crore in surplus value for the side, and Patidar is just behind it with ₹35.06 crore for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The two skippers have been instrumental in lending more than ₹70 crore worth to the game, making the Australia-India matchup a heady experience of leadership, consistency, and impact.
Gill has been the only player to really make a significant impact this season. The Gujarat skipper has hit 722 runs off 441 balls with a whopping strike rate of 163.72, which has already been accomplished at a remarkable speed. He has maintained a standard that is second to none, scoring above 30 runs in 11 of 15 innings and hitting seven half-centuries and four scores above 80. His smashing 104 for 53 off Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 allowed Gujarat to bounce back from the losing streak in Qualifier 1 and still manage to qualify for the playoffs.
Patidar, in the meantime, was the reason for some great stuff from RCB. The sharp leader has accompanied a strong batting approach, which helped him to be a top performer in key phases during the matches, in the Bengaluru skipper’s case. His power to pace the run in the middle order and the clutch contribution at the crease have played a crucial role in RCB’s journey towards the finale.
With the two sides holding home advantage on a lovely Sunday night, it will be their captains’ turn in the spotlight. Whether Gill proves consistent or Patidar is explosive will remain to be seen when it comes to winning the IPL 2026 trophy.