Dharamshala, May 25, 2026: Gujarat Titans (GT) assistant coach Vijay Dahiya has described Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as a potential “battle” between two evenly matched teams, firmly rejecting any suggestion that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might gain an advantage from having played a league-stage match at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
Speaking to the media ahead of the high-pressure encounter, Dahiya emphasized that both teams have players who are familiar with the conditions at the venue, which is known for its pace and bounce. “There are many players across both teams who have played at this venue before and they will be aware of the conditions here. Both teams play as a unit, that is what stands out. The game is going to be a battle. Since there is a lot at stake, there is going to be pressure on both,” he stated.
The coach highlighted the consistent performance of both sides as a key factor in their rise to the top of the IPL 2026 points table. He pointed out that solid bowling has been instrumental in their success, enabling them to restrict opposition totals despite strong batting performances from other teams. “You see teams putting runs on the board. But in the end, you need a solid bowling unit,” Dahiya explained. “You hardly see any changes in both the teams, and that is due to the bowlers’ self-belief and the faith put in by the captain and the management.”
Gujarat Titans have been particularly impressive with the new ball, taking the most PowerPlay wickets in the competition this season—38 so far—thanks to the disciplined bowling of Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. Dahiya praised their partnership both on and off the field, noting their ability to complement each other despite coming from different international backgrounds. “They understand the game very well and what they need to do for the partner at the other end. They are different characters who come from different international environments and a lot of credit needs to be given to Ashish Nehra, the way he handles both of them,” he added.
The match, scheduled at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, is set to be a closely contested affair under lights, with both teams vying for a spot in the next stage of the tournament. Dahiya’s comments reflect a sense of cautious optimism within the GT camp, underscoring the team’s belief in its collective strength and bowling prowess.
With the stakes higher than ever in the IPL 2026 playoffs, the Qualifier 1 encounter promises to be a test of nerve, strategy, and execution for both sides. Fans can expect a competitive match where small margins could decide the outcome.
