RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru will battle the Gujarat Titans during the IPL 2026 summit clash. They will aim to replicate their heroics, powered by a player renowned for delivering clutch performances in the biggest matches: none other than Josh Hazlewood. The reigning champions will chase their second consecutive trophy, a milestone achieved only by the Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings.
They will challenge an in-form Gujarat Titans led by Shubman Gill. Still, the Bengaluru-based franchise will feel confident since they boast Hazlewood in their lineup, who dominates T20 summit clashes with his stellar record.
The man who never lost finals
Hazlewood storms into this match carrying a formidable record in T20 finals. He has starred in five major T20 summit clashes across international and franchise cricket, and has triumphed in each. Remarkably, he has never left a T20 final without grabbing at least one wicket.
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Across those five finals, he has seized 10 wickets at a staggering average of 13.9 and a sterling economy rate of 7.1, consistently rising to the occasion under pressure. He first asserted himself in the 2021 IPL summit clash, representing the Chennai Super Kings. In the match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, he delivered match-winning figures of 2/29 in four overs, dismissing Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana at crucial moments.
His brilliant performance propelled the Chennai-based franchise to dismantle KKR and win by 27 runs. This was his first IPL title, igniting his spectacular streak in summit clashes.
But he delivered his most dazzling final performance in the 2021 T20 World Cup summit clash against New Zealand. The pitch in Dubai favored batters, but Hazlewood unleashed his fast bowling prowess, recording figures of 3/16 over four overs. He first conquered Glenn Phillips before removing Kane Williamson, who threatened to single-handedly overturn Australia’s fortunes with a powerful knock of 85 runs. Australia then stormed to the target, clinching their first T20 World Cup as Hazlewood starred in a pivotal role.
Delivering RCB's historic title
Four years later, Hazlewood once again rose to the occasion when everything was on the line. During the summit clash against the Punjab Kings last year, he snared two wickets and expertly defended 29 runs in the final over. Facing an in-form Shashank Singh, Hazlewood maintained his composure and propelled the Rajat Patidar-led side to claim their first trophy in 18 years.
His success in summit clashes extends beyond the IPL and international cricket. He has also powered the Sydney Sixers to a Big Bash League title.
A mixed IPL 2026 campaign
Despite his heroics in the summit clash, Hazlewood has been tested this IPL season. Thirteen wickets in twelve matches—at an average and economy rate below his best—have prompted doubts among fans. Still, beneath the stats, the belief in his ability to conjure magic when it counts lingers strong, keeping RCB's faith burning.