Not In My Control: Rajat Patidar on IPL 2026 final moving from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad

RCB captain Rajat Patidar said the IPL 2026 final venue is a decision for the BCCI after the summit clash was shifted to Ahmedabad. Bengaluru now focuses on beating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has reacted to the decision to shift the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, saying the matter is entirely in the hands of the BCCI and not something players can control.

The IPL final will now be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad instead of Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The decision has sparked discussion among fans, especially with defending champions RCB entering the playoffs as one of the strongest contenders for the title.

Patidar Says Team Focused On Reaching Final

Speaking ahead of Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, Patidar maintained that the team’s priority remains securing a place in the final rather than worrying about the venue.

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He said the BCCI alone decides where the final should be held and added that the team is focused only on performing well and reaching the title clash.

RCB and Gujarat Titans will face each other in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The winner will directly qualify for the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will still get another opportunity through Qualifier 2.

Bowlers Facing Tough Conditions In IPL 2026

Patidar also spoke about the increasing challenges faced by bowlers in the tournament, where batting-friendly pitches and high-scoring matches have become common.

According to the RCB captain, even totals crossing 220 runs no longer feel secure in modern T20 cricket. He pointed out that smaller boundaries, batting-friendly surfaces and dew conditions have made life particularly difficult for fast bowlers.

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He added that despite the conditions, players can only focus on adapting and executing their plans on match day.

RCB And GT Eye Direct Entry Into Final

Both RCB and Gujarat Titans finished the league stage with 18 points from 14 matches. However, RCB secured the top spot due to a better net run rate after a consistent campaign throughout the season.

The winner of Tuesday’s clash will move directly into the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad, while the loser will face the winner of the Eliminator for another chance to qualify.