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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set to defend their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown when they take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday, May 31, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the two teams prepare for the title clash, the numbers game has already begun, and one particular matchup could prove decisive.
For RCB, stopping GT's explosive top order featuring captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler will be crucial. However, there is one Bengaluru bowler who possesses an outstanding record against Gill and could hand the defending champions an early advantage.
Bhuvneshwar's record against Shubman Gill gives RCB a major boost
RCB veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has consistently troubled Gill throughout his IPL career. Across 14 innings, Bhuvneshwar has dismissed the Gujarat Titans skipper six times, making him one of the few bowlers to enjoy such dominance over one of the league's premier batters.
During those encounters, Gill has managed only 80 runs against the experienced seamer at an average of 13.33 while striking at just 101.26.
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The trend continued earlier this season during Qualifier 1 when Bhuvneshwar produced a crucial breakthrough by bowling Gill and putting GT under pressure. RCB eventually went on to win the match and secure a direct place in the final.
Given Gill's importance to Gujarat's batting lineup, RCB will once again hope their experienced fast bowler can repeat the feat on the biggest stage of the tournament.
Bhuvneshwar enjoying one of his best IPL seasons
The experienced pacer has been one of RCB's standout performers throughout IPL 2026. In 16 matches, Bhuvneshwar has claimed 26 wickets at an average of 18.15 while maintaining a strike rate of 13.62 and an economy rate of exactly 8.
His consistency with the new ball and ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs have made him a key reason behind Bengaluru's successful title defence campaign.
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The 36-year-old currently occupies second place in the Purple Cap standings, trailing only GT pacer Kagiso Rabada, who leads the chart with 28 wickets.
With the IPL trophy on the line, RCB will once again look towards their experienced spearhead to deliver. If Bhuvneshwar can continue his dominance over Gill, Bengaluru could take a giant step towards retaining their title against a formidable Gujarat Titans side.
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