Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a dream start in the IPL 2026 final after Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill early at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Gill, who entered the final in sensational form after scoring a match-winning century in Qualifier 2, was expected to anchor Gujarat’s innings in the title clash. However, Hazlewood produced a crucial breakthrough to put RCB firmly on top during the early stages of the contest.
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The dismissal was a major setback for Gujarat Titans, whose batting lineup has heavily relied on the opening partnership of Gill and Sai Sudharsan throughout the season. The duo have been among the tournament’s leading run-scorers and played a key role in Gujarat’s march to the final. For defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the early wicket reinforced Hazlewood’s reputation as a big-match performer. The Australian fast bowler came into the final carrying an unbeaten record in T20 finals and once again delivered under pressure.
Gill had amassed more than 700 runs this season and was regarded as one of Gujarat’s biggest hopes in their pursuit of a second IPL title. His early departure handed RCB valuable momentum in one of the most anticipated finals in recent years. With the championship on the line, Hazlewood’s breakthrough gave Bengaluru an early edge as they looked to defend their IPL crown in Ahmedabad.
