India, May 26 -- The pressure of defending a title has now firmly shifted onto Royal Challengers Bengaluru after their breakthrough triumph last season. While they dominated the league phase this year and finished at the top of the table to earn a key playoff advantage, the real test begins now. Their next challenge comes against a confident Gujarat Titans side, who have already shown they can go toe-to-toe with the champions.

Both teams were evenly matched in the league stage, sharing one win apiece, highlighting how little separates them heading into the knockout clash. RCB, however, have shown some inconsistency late in the season, losing two of their last five matches, including a heavy 55-run defeat in their final league game. Gujar...