India, May 26 -- At the end of a long and riveting IPL 2026 league phase - one filled with dramatic twists in the second half of the season - only four teams remain standing. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans will get the playoffs underway when they face off in Qualifier 1 at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.

The two teams took contrasting routes to qualification but ultimately finished level on 18 points from 14 matches, with RCB claiming top spot of a superior net run rate. They also split their two league-stage meetings this season, with both sides winning at home. Even the overall head-to-head record offers little separation, locked at four wins apiece from eight encounters.

What could ulti...