Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar has responded to growing speculation over the team’s opening combination ahead of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans. Questions emerged after reports suggested RCB could consider changing Virat Kohli’s opening partner for the crucial playoff fixture. While Phil Salt has been RCB’s preferred attacking opener this season, his recent injury concerns have created uncertainty around the batting setup for the high-stakes encounter.
Patidar keeps door open on opening combination
Speaking before the playoff clash, Patidar confirmed that the team management is yet to take a final call on the playing XI. "He is fit and doing drills, but we have not decided the playing XI yet," Patidar stated as quoted by NDTV sports. The RCB captain avoided revealing whether the franchise would stick with its recent opening pair or bring Salt back alongside Kohli.
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Salt’s absence in a few league-stage matches forced Bengaluru to experiment with alternate combinations at the top.
Phil Salt was seen doing batting practice ahead of Qualifier 1 against GT. May God have mercy on GT because Phil Salt won't 🔥 pic.twitter.com/onUe1Kdsxw
— garvi. (@kohlichronicles) May 25, 2026
Despite the reshuffle, RCB managed to maintain momentum and secure a place in Qualifier 1. The uncertainty surrounding the England batter has now become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the knockout clash.
Patidar says bowlers remained under pressure
Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar admitted that bowlers are facing increasing challenges in the IPL due to batting-friendly conditions and frequent 200-plus totals. Ahead of RCB’s Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans, Patidar said as reported by NDTV sports, modern IPL pitches, smaller boundaries and dew have made life especially difficult for fast bowlers, where even minor errors often result in sixes.
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Despite the concerns, Patidar said players must adapt to the conditions provided and focus on execution rather than pitch debates. He also avoided getting drawn into the controversy surrounding the IPL 2026 final being shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.
NBhubaneshwar Kumar, the new purple cap holder!#TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/KlUsSkNWiK
— Chandra 🇮🇳 (@cbatrody) May 17, 2026
Patidar stated that the venue decision was beyond the team’s control and added that RCB’s focus remains firmly on reaching the final. The BCCI reportedly shifted the summit clash because of operational and crowd-management concerns in Bengaluru.
RCB and Gujarat Titans finished the league stage level on points, with Patidar describing the Qualifier 1 clash as a battle between two evenly matched sides.
