RCB’s Ahmedabad record: 2025 title triumph gives hope ahead of IPL 2026 final vs Gujarat Titans

NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will return to familiar territory on Sunday when they face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.Rajat Patidar’s men have been the standout side of the season, finishing at the top of the league-stage standings before storming into the final with a crushing 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.But while RCB enter the summit clash with momentum firmly on their side, Gujarat Titans will take confidence from one crucial factor — the final will be played at their home ground in Ahmedabad.The two best teams of IPL 2026 will now clash once again for the title after GT secured their place in the final with a commanding seven-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh on Friday.Mixed memories for RCB in AhmedabadRCB may be favourites on current form, but their overall IPL record at the Narendra Modi Stadium presents a balanced picture.Including this season’s defeat against Gujarat Titans, RCB have played eight IPL matches at the venue and have won four while losing four.Their record against GT in Ahmedabad is also evenly split at 1-1.The last meeting between the two sides at the venue came earlier this season when Gujarat Titans completely outplayed RCB. GT bowlers bundled out Bengaluru for just 155 in 19.2 overs before chasing down the target comfortably in only 15.5 overs.Shubman Gill led the charge during the chase with a blistering 43 off just 18 balls as GT exposed RCB’s batting vulnerabilities.However, RCB will also carry memories of success at the same venue.Their first-ever IPL match in Ahmedabad came against Rajasthan Royals in 2015, where they secured a dominant nine-wicket victory. In IPL 2021, RCB edged Delhi Capitals by one run in a thriller before suffering a defeat to Punjab Kings later in the same season.Ahmedabad brings both heartbreak and glory for RCBThe Narendra Modi Stadium has witnessed some of RCB’s most painful playoff defeats over the years.In IPL 2022, RCB lost Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets at the venue. Two years later, RR once again ended RCB’s campaign in Ahmedabad, defeating them by four wickets in the Eliminator of IPL 2024. Interestingly, both of RCB’s playoff defeats at the stadium have come against Rajasthan Royals.But Ahmedabad also became the setting for the greatest moment in the franchise’s history.In IPL 2025, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs at the same venue to finally lift their maiden IPL trophy after 18 seasons of heartbreak and near misses. For Virat Kohli and the franchise faithful, it was the night that erased years of disappointment.That memory could now become a major emotional advantage heading into Sunday’s final.RCB have already beaten Gujarat Titans twice this season, including the emphatic victory in Qualifier 1, and their aggressive batting combined with a balanced bowling attack has made them the most consistent side of IPL 2026.Yet, Ahmedabad has repeatedly shown that momentum alone guarantees nothing.As RCB chase back-to-back IPL titles, they will hope the Narendra Modi Stadium once again becomes the venue where history smiles on them — just like it did a year ago.