India, May 31 -- In the end, there remained just two - the top two. In 11 of the IPL's previous 19 seasons, the top two teams from the league stage have met in the final. On the previous 10 occasions, the top-placed side emerged victorious six times. So, will it be a second consecutive title for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru?

The margins have been at a bare minimum, yet favouring RCB. They hold a narrow 5-4 edge over Gujarat Titans in head-to-head meetings. And despite sharing a win each in the league stage this season, RCB won the more crucial encounter to go 2-1 up in 2026, beating Gujarat in Qualifier 1. The victory not only booked them a direct spot in the final but also gave them a valuable rest period, unlike Gujarat, who had to ...