IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strongest predicted XI against Gujarat Titans

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 42 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The defending champions thrashed the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, bowling them out for 75 and chasing the target down in just 6.3 overs. They have been one of the most dominant sides in the IPL, and with six wins in eight matches, sit in a comfortable position. They beat the Titans in the reverse fixture at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium by five wickets, making light work of a 206-run chase, despite losing a cluster of wickets late in the innings. They head to Ahmedabad hoping to do the double over the Titans.

Here is RCB's strongest predicted XI for Match 42 vs GT:

Top order: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell (Impact), Devdutt Padikkal

Virat Kohli against the Capitals became the first player in history to reach the milestone of 9000 IPL runs. He has looked in brilliant form as always, scoring 351 runs at 162.50. He has been the anchor in the batting lineup but now takes on the bowlers in the powerplay, scoring at a strike rate of 161 in the first six overs. Jacob Bethell is expected to keep his place at the top of the order, with there not yet being any updates on the fitness of Phil Salt. The English starlet has yet to make a significant mark in the 2026 IPL, but his talent is unquestionable.

Devdutt Padikkal has evolved into a more dominant and attacking version of himself, taking on both spinners and pacers from the get-go. He has added impetus to the innings batting at three, and while he has scored 242 runs, his strike rate of 192.06 is what has stood out for the defending champions.