Ravichandran Ashwin Names IPL 2026 Final Favourites, Hints Challenge For GT

Ravichandran Ashwin believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru are overwhelming favourites for the IPL 2026 final and says only their own mistakes can stop them from defending the title.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a massive vote of confidence from former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ahead of the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans. After finishing at the top of the league standings and crushing GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1, RCB have emerged as the strongest side of the season.

The defending champions now have an opportunity to become only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully retain the title. While Gujarat Titans earned another shot at the trophy by defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, Ashwin believes the pressure is firmly on Bengaluru’s opponents rather than on RCB.

Despite acknowledging Gujarat’s outstanding record at the Narendra Modi Stadium this season, Ashwin stated that Bengaluru’s consistency and fearless style of cricket make them clear favourites heading into the summit clash.

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Ashwin Highlights Gujarat Titans’ Home Advantage

Ashwin admitted that Gujarat Titans will draw confidence from playing at their home venue, where they have turned conditions into a major strength throughout IPL 2026.

“The fact that GT are playing at their home ground, and that they’ve dominated there and made it a fortress, is something that’s really going to give them that extra fillip going into the final,” Ashwin told Jio Hotstar.

However, the veteran spinner stressed that Bengaluru should not alter the aggressive formula that has brought them success all season.

“For RCB, it doesn’t matter whether they bat or bowl first; it is their final to lose. They are going in as the favourites. Whatever they do, they must not regress or play any less attacking cricket than they have throughout the season,” he added.

Contrasting Styles Set Up Blockbuster Final

According to Ashwin, one of the most fascinating aspects of the final is the contrast between the approaches adopted by the two teams.

While Gujarat Titans have relied heavily on structure and familiarity with home conditions, Bengaluru have thrived by taking calculated risks and maintaining an attacking mindset throughout the tournament.

“The two teams have very contrasting approaches. RCB have been willing to take that extra risk. They have a team with a few fighters in Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya, who have turned up the heat this season,” he said.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya have played key roles in RCB’s campaign, providing crucial contributions with both ball and experience during high-pressure moments.

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Only One Obstacle Between RCB And Title Defence

Ashwin feels Gujarat Titans’ familiarity with Ahmedabad conditions remains the final hurdle Bengaluru must overcome to successfully defend their championship.

“GT’s home ground and their familiarity with those conditions is the only last piece of the puzzle standing between RCB and a second title,” he said.

The IPL 2026 final will now see Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans attempt to secure a second IPL crown, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru chase a historic title defence after one of the most dominant seasons in franchise history.