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IPL 2026: GT vs RCB Playing XI, Match No. 42 Preview & Fantasy Tips

IPL 2026: GT vs RCB Playing XI, Match No. 42 Preview & Fantasy Tips

Cric Today 3 days ago

The Gujarat Titans (GT) will take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Match 42 of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 29. This high-stakes encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad pits the strong home side, aiming to climb the table, against a confident RCB unit riding on excellent recent momentum.

GT enter this home fixture looking to solidify their position, currently sitting 5th on the points table with 8 points from 8 games. GT own 4 wins and 4 defeats. They have shown solid performances at home but will need consistency to push for the playoffs.

RCB, placed 2nd with 12 points from 8 games, are looking to maintain their strong form after a solid run of wins and continue their playoff charge. A win will help them go atop the standings for the meantime.

RCB will be backing themselves to challenge GT at one of the biggest venues and strengthen their hold in the top positions. While Narendra Modi Stadium has offered good batting conditions, RCB's aggressive batting approach and depth across departments make them a dangerous opponent capable of posting or chasing massive totals.

What is the Context of the GT vs RCB match?

Shubman Gill remains the cornerstone for GT as captain and opener, providing stability and aggression at the top. GT will look to leverage their home conditions and balanced squad.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Virat Kohli continues to be the heartbeat of the batting lineup. RCB's bowling unit, led by experienced campaigners such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, will aim to restrict GT on a surface that can assist stroke-makers. The side has shown great batting firepower this season and will push for another victory.

For RCB, Jacob Bethell is expected to open alongside Kohli, with uncertainty surrounding Phil Salt's availability. For GT, Prasidh Krishna missed the previous game, with Arshad Khan coming in. However, the former is set to return to the starting XI.

A look at the H2H record

The rivalry between the Gujarat Titans and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been competitive. RCB have a 4-3 lead over GT from 7 meetings to date, including a win in the only game between these two sides in Ahmedabad. As per Cricbuzz, all seven previous encounters between these two sides ended with the chasing team winning.

GT - Probable Playing XI

Shubman Gill (c): The skipper and star opener is two shy of 50 IPL sixes at the Narendra Modi Stadium, as per ESPNcricinfo.

Sai Sudharsan: A reliable left-hander who has been amongst the runs in his last two outings. He will rely on his form.

Jos Buttler: The explosive keeper-batter brings firepower at number three. In 8 games this season, he owns 270 runs at 38.57.

Washington Sundar: He will come in at number four and aim to provide stability. He has 157 runs from 8 games this season.

Jason Holder: He scored a crucial 23* in his lone outing this season. The bowling all-rounder struck at 230 in that contest.

Shahrukh Khan: Across 8 matches and 4 innings, the explosive Shahrukh has managed 35 runs at 11.66. He needs to up the ante.

Rahul Tewatia: He remains a vital cog as a finisher. In 6 innings, he has 49 runs this season. His strike rate of 116.66 is a concern.

Rashid Khan: The world-class wrist-spinner remains a major threat and match-winner. He owns 710 T20 wickets.

Kagiso Rabada: The experienced pacer will lead the new-ball attack with pace and bounce. He has 13 wickets this season at 22.61.

Mohammed Siraj: The right-arm quick has done an able job with 8 scalps from 8 games this season.

Manav Suthar: The spinner will support Rashid in this GT side. From 2 matches, he has 2 wickets this season.

Impact Player: Prasidh Krishna will come on as the Impact Sub. From 7 games, he has picked 12 wickets this season.

RCB - Probable Playing XI

Virat Kohli: The king continues to deliver with experience and class at the top. In the previous contest, he went past 9,000 IPL runs. Kohli is one shy of 450 T20 sixes.

Jacob Bethell: The Englishman promises aplenty with his aggressive batting and range. A solid outing will help boost his confidence.

Devdutt Padikkal: He has been superb this season and owns 242 runs with a strike rate of 192-plus.

Rajat Patidar (c): The RCB skipper owns 238 runs at 39.66. He has a strike rate of 210.61.

Tim David: The powerful Aussie will be backed to lead the charge in the death overs. He has scored 183 runs this season while striking at 193-plus.

Jitesh Sharma (wk): He has scored 62 runs from six innings. If he gets a chance to bat, fans will hope he lights up the stadium with a cameo.

Krunal Pandya: The spin-bowling all-rounder will once again aim to provide control with the ball and score some runs in the lower-order batting.

Romario Shepherd: He will continue to be backed by RCB. The big-hitting all-rounder will aim to come good against the home side.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: He is one shy of 350 T20 wickets. The ongoing IPL season has seen him pick the joint 2nd-most wickets (14).

Josh Hazlewood: He comes into this contest on the back of a four-wicket haul against DC. In 5 games this season, he has picked 8 scalps.

Rasikh Salam Dar: From 5 games this season, the pacer has picked six scalps at 22.66.

Impact Player: Spinner Suyash Sharma is the Impact Sub for RCB. He owns 6 scalps from 7 matches this season.

Dream11 Strategy & Top Picks

Top Batters for Dream11

Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill are must-haves for their consistency and big-match temperament at this venue. Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal provide strong points of potential with their strokeplay and finishing skills. Jos Buttler remains a high-upside pick.

Best All-Rounders to Boost Points

Jason Holder and Krunal Pandya are premium choices, contributing significantly with both bat and ball in key phases.

Bowlers to Watch in Dream11

RCB duo Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood are strong picks for their pace and wicket-taking ability. Rashid Khan is a must-have on any surface. Kagiso Rabada fills in as well.

Pitch Report & Venue Conditions

The Narendra Modi Stadium pitch is generally a good batting surface in IPL matches, offering true bounce, consistent carry, and pace that allows batters to play through the line with confidence.

In IPL 2026 matches so far at the venue, games have produced competitive to high-scoring affairs, with the surface providing excellent conditions for stroke play once batters settle in. While pacers may get slight assistance with the new ball in the early overs or through variations, the track tends to remain true, making it ideal for big hitting as the innings progress.

A total in the range of 190-200 should spice things up.

GT vs RCB: Pitch Advantage for Which Side?

Narendra Modi Stadium's balanced yet batting-leaning nature suits both teams' strong batting lineups, but GT's familiarity with the venue and home advantage could give them a slight edge in setting competitive totals. However, RCB's explosive batting order makes them equally capable of dominating any surface. Expect another entertaining contest where the team that adapts better to pace, bounce, and possible dew holds the upper hand.

FAQs About GT vs RCB Playing 11

Who is the top scorer for these teams?

For GT this season, key contributors include Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. For RCB, Virat Kohli remains the standout run-scorer with consistent performances.

Is the match at a new stadium?

No, it is being played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the home ground for the Gujarat Titans.

What is the start time?

The match begins at 7:30 PM IST on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.

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