Introduction
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League have generated as much intrigue in such a short span as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans timeline. Since Gujarat Titans burst onto the IPL scene in 2022, every encounter with the star-studded RCB has delivered drama, last-ball finishes, and tactical masterclasses that keep fans glued to their screens.
This comprehensive guide traces the royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline from the very first ball bowled between these two sides through the 2026 season. Whether you are a die-hard RCB supporter still dreaming of that maiden trophy or a GT fan celebrating their franchise’s meteoric rise, this article covers every match, every turning point, every record, and every unforgettable moment. We will walk through each season chronologically, break down head-to-head statistics, spotlight individual brilliance, and bring you fully up to date with the latest 2026 encounters. Bookmark this page—this is the royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline reference you will return to every season.
RCB vs Gujarat Titans:
The story of this rivalry begins with the IPL 2022 mega auction, when the BCCI introduced two new franchises: Gujarat Titans (Ahmedabad) and Lucknow Super Giants. Gujarat Titans were owned by CVC Capital Partners and appointed Hardik Pandya as their marquee player and captain. Across the corridor, Royal Challengers Bengaluru—a franchise synonymous with batting fireworks and near-misses since 2008—were rebuilding under the leadership of Faf du Plessis with Virat Kohli still anchoring the lineup.
From day one, the contrast was stark. RCB carried the weight of 15 seasons without a title, a passionate fanbase, and a batting-heavy identity. GT arrived with zero baggage, a balanced squad built around Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, David Miller, and Shubman Gill, and a fearless “nothing to lose” mentality. The royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline is essentially a story of legacy versus new blood, experience versus youthful hunger.
Why does this rivalry matter? Because in just four full seasons (2022–2025) and a fifth in 2026, these two teams have produced playoff clashes, record-breaking chases, and individual duels—Kohli vs Rashid, Gill vs Siraj—that rank among the IPL’s most compelling narratives.
Early Era: 2022 – The Birth of a Rivalry
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans’ Debut Season
The royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline officially began on April 27, 2022, at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. RCB posted a competitive 170/6 in their 20 overs, with Virat Kohli contributing a steady 58 off 41 balls. However, Gujarat Titans’ openers Wriddhiman Saha (38) and Shubman Gill (31) laid the platform before Hardik Pandya (62* off 31) and David Miller (39*) sealed a six-wicket victory with 11 balls to spare. Rashid Khan’s economical 2/28 in four overs strangled RCB’s middle overs.
The reverse fixture came on May 19, 2022, at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. This time RCB struck back emphatically. Chasing 169, Faf du Plessis (73 off 48) and Virat Kohli (51 off 38) put on a 115-run opening stand. RCB won by 8 wickets with 13 balls remaining. Mohammed Siraj claimed 3/24 to restrict GT in the first innings.
Key Highlights of 2022:
- GT won the IPL 2022 title in their debut season, defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final at Eden Gardens.
- RCB finished 7th in the league table, missing the playoffs.
- The two league meetings split 1–1, setting the tone for a competitive rivalry.
- Hardik Pandya was named captain of the tournament’s winning side, while Rashid Khan finished with 19 wickets.
Mid Era: 2023 – 2024 – Playoff Battles & Shifting Power
IPL 2023: GT’s Dominance and RCB’s Heartbreak
The 2023 season saw Gujarat Titans finish top of the league table with 20 points, while RCB scraped into the playoffs in 4th place. Their league encounters were tightly contested:
Match 1 – May 1, 2023, Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad: GT defended a modest 163/7. Rashid Khan (3/19) and Mohit Sharma (3/14) dismantled RCB’s batting. Virat Kohli top-scored with 44, but RCB fell short by 18 runs. GT won by a comfortable margin.
Match 2 – May 21, 2023, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: RCB needed a win to stay in playoff contention. Faf du Plessis smashed 71 off 44, and Glenn Maxwell added a quickfire 42. RCB posted 197/5. GT’s chase fell apart against Mohammed Siraj (3/32) and Michael Bracewell (2/22). RCB won by 37 runs, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
GT went on to lose the Qualifier 1 to Chennai Super Kings and then fell in the final to CSK by 5 wickets. RCB were eliminated in the Eliminator by Mumbai Indians.
IPL 2024: New Captains, New Dynamics
The 2024 season brought seismic changes. Hardik Pandya moved to Mumbai Indians, and Shubman Gill was appointed GT captain at just 24. RCB retained Faf du Plessis as captain but saw key personnel shifts.
Match 1 – April 4, 2024, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: GT chased down 182 with Shubman Gill (68 off 42) and Sai Sudharsan (54 off 36) leading the charge. GT won by 6 wickets with 8 balls to spare.
Match 2 – May 5, 2024, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: In a high-scoring affair, RCB’s Will Jacks (77 off 40) and Virat Kohli (60 off 39) powered RCB to 206/6. GT’s reply stalled at 178/8 despite Rashid Khan’s late cameo (34*). RCB won by 28 runs.
2024 Standings: GT finished 8th (a dramatic fall from grace), while RCB ended 6th, again missing the playoffs.
Modern Era: 2025 – 2026 – The Rivalry Intensifies
IPL 2025: Gill’s GT vs. a Resurgent RCB
The 2025 season marked a turning point. RCB appointed Rajat Patidar as captain after Faf du Plessis stepped down, while Shubman Gill entered his second year leading GT. Both squads were reshaped at the mega auction.
Match 1 – April 12, 2025, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: A classic encounter. RCB posted 212/4 powered by Virat Kohli’s magnificent 89 off 52 and Phil Salt’s 56 off 33. GT’s chase was anchored by Shubman Gill (72 off 45) and Jos Buttler (48 off 31), but Yash Dayal (3/38) and Josh Hazlewood (2/29) held firm in the death overs. RCB won by 14 runs in front of a roaring Chinnaswamy crowd.
Match 2 – May 8, 2025, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: GT’s revenge was swift. Sai Sudharsan (82 off 49) and Shubman Gill (58 off 37) guided GT to 198/5. RCB’s reply never got going; Rashid Khan (4/21) ran through the middle order. GT won by 31 runs.
2025 Playoffs: GT finished 2nd and reached the final. RCB finished 5th, missing the playoffs by a single point—a familiar heartbreak for Bengaluru fans.
IPL 2026: The Latest Chapter (Most Recent Update)
The royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline reaches its latest chapter in IPL 2026, played across April and May 2026. Both teams entered the season with renewed ambition.
Match 1 – April 18, 2026, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: RCB’s new-look batting lineup, featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and Cameron Green, posted 195/6. GT’s chase was led by Shubman Gill (64 off 40) and Rahul Tewatia’s explosive 41* off 18. GT won by 5 wickets with 4 balls remaining, silencing the home crowd.
Match 2 – May 10, 2026, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: RCB struck back in the return fixture. Rajat Patidar (78 off 46) and Virat Kohli (55 off 39) built a 130-run partnership. RCB scored 201/5. In reply, GT collapsed to 142 all out in 18.3 overs, with Mohammed Siraj (4/22) and Yash Dayal (3/31) sharing seven wickets. RCB won by a dominant 59 runs.
2026 Standings (as of June 2026): GT finished 3rd in the league stage and qualified for the playoffs. RCB finished 4th, earning a playoff berth for the first time since 2022. The two sides did not meet in the playoffs, with GT eventually falling in Qualifier 2 and RCB being eliminated in the Eliminator.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | GT franchise founded; Hardik Pandya named captain (Feb) | GT enters IPL as new team | CVC Capital owns franchise; mega auction builds squad |
| 2022 | RCB vs GT – Match 24, Wankhede (Apr 27) | GT won by 6 wickets | Hardik Pandya 62*; Kohli 58 for RCB |
| 2022 | GT vs RCB – Match 60, Brabourne (May 19) | RCB won by 8 wickets | du Plessis 73; Siraj 3/24 |
| 2022 | GT wins IPL 2022 title (May 29) | GT beat RR in final | Debut-season title; Hardik Pandya lifts trophy |
| 2023 | GT vs RCB – Motera, Ahmedabad (May 1) | GT won by 18 runs | Rashid Khan 3/19; Kohli 44 in vain |
| 2023 | RCB vs GT – Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru (May 21) | RCB won by 37 runs | du Plessis 71; Siraj 3/32 |
| 2023 | GT finishes 1st in league; loses IPL final to CSK | CSK won by 5 wickets | Gill’s 429 runs; Shami’s 28 wickets |
| 2023 | RCB eliminated in Eliminator by MI | MI won by 81 runs | RCB’s playoff exit continues |
| 2024 | Shubman Gill appointed GT captain; Hardik to MI | Leadership change | Gill becomes youngest GT captain at 24 |
| 2024 | RCB vs GT – Chinnaswamy (Apr 4) | GT won by 6 wickets | Gill 68; Sudharsan 54 |
| 2024 | GT vs RCB – Motera, Ahmedabad (May 5) | RCB won by 28 runs | Will Jacks 77; Kohli 60 |
| 2024 | GT finishes 8th; RCB finishes 6th | Both miss playoffs | Worst season for GT; RCB rebuild |
| 2025 | Rajat Patidar named RCB captain (Feb) | New RCB leadership era | du Plessis steps down as captain |
| 2025 | RCB vs GT – Chinnaswamy (Apr 12) | RCB won by 14 runs | Kohli 89; Phil Salt 56 |
| 2025 | GT vs RCB – Motera (May 8) | GT won by 31 runs | Sudharsan 82; Rashid 4/21 |
| 2025 | GT finishes 2nd; reaches IPL final | GT loses final to KKR | Gill 540+ runs; Rashid 22 wickets |
| 2025 | RCB finishes 5th; misses playoffs by 1 point | Heartbreak for RCB fans | Kohli 600+ runs in season |
| 2026 | RCB vs GT – Chinnaswamy (Apr 18) | GT won by 5 wickets | Gill 64; Tewatia 41* off 18 balls |
| 2026 | GT vs RCB – Motera (May 10) | RCB won by 59 runs | Patidar 78; Siraj 4/22 |
| 2026 | GT finishes 3rd; RCB finishes 4th | Both qualify for playoffs | First time both in playoffs since 2022 |
| 2026 | GT eliminated in Qualifier 2; RCB out in Eliminator | Playoff exits for both | Rivalry to continue in IPL 2027 |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Gujarat Titans |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played (2022–2026) | 10 | 10 |
| Matches Won | 5 | 5 |
| Matches Lost | 5 | 5 |
| Win Percentage | 50% | 50% |
| Highest Team Total | 212/4 (2025, Chinnaswamy) | 206/6 (2024, Motera) |
| Lowest Team Total | 142 all out (2026, Motera) | 148/9 (2023, Chinnaswamy) |
| Biggest Win (Margin) | 59 runs (2026) | 31 runs (2025) |
| Most Successful Batter (Runs) | Virat Kohli – 487 runs | Shubman Gill – 412 runs |
| Most Successful Bowler (Wickets) | Mohammed Siraj – 14 wickets | Rashid Khan – 13 wickets |
| Highest Individual Score | Virat Kohli – 89 (2025) | Sai Sudharsan – 82 (2025) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Mohammed Siraj – 4/22 (2026) | Rashid Khan – 4/21 (2025) |
| Playoff Meetings | 0 | 0 |
| Titles Won in Era | 0 | 1 (2022) |
| Home Record (Chinnaswamy) | 3 wins, 2 losses | – |
| Home Record (Motera) | – | 3 wins, 2 losses |
Note: Statistics compiled across IPL league-stage matches only, 2022–2026.
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- Virat Kohli holds the record for the most runs in the RCB vs GT fixture with 487 runs across 10 matches at an average of 54.1, including three half-centuries and a best of 89 in 2025.
- Shubman Gill leads GT’s batting charts in this rivalry with 412 runs, including a highest score of 72 and a strike rate of 138.5.
- Mohammed Siraj has been RCB’s trump card against GT, claiming 14 wickets in 10 games at an economy of 7.8, with best figures of 4/22 in 2026.
- Rashid Khan has troubled RCB batters relentlessly, picking up 13 wickets with an economy of just 6.9, including a spell of 4/21 in 2025.
- Sai Sudharsan’s 82 off 49 in 2025 remains the highest individual score by a GT batter in this fixture.
Team Records
- GT’s debut-season title (2022) remains the only IPL championship in the franchise’s history and the fastest title win by a new team.
- RCB’s 59-run victory in 2026 at Motera is the largest winning margin in this rivalry.
- The 212/4 posted by RCB in 2025 at Chinnaswamy is the highest total in a RCB vs GT match.
- Both teams have won exactly 5 matches each in 10 encounters—a perfectly balanced rivalry.
- No match between these two sides has gone to a Super Over as of 2026.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Gujarat Titans have won the IPL title in the same calendar year they first played RCB (2022)—a rare feat for a debut franchise.
- Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill have faced each other in every single RCB vs GT match since 2022, making it a 10-match head-to-head between two generational talents.
- The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has hosted 5 RCB vs GT matches, the most of any venue.
- RCB has never beaten GT in a chase of 200+; GT has chased successfully twice in that scenario.
- Rashid Khan has bowled in all 10 matches of this rivalry—never missing a game due to injury or rotation.
FAQs
When did Royal Challengers Bengaluru first play Gujarat Titans? A: The first match between RCB and GT took place on April 27, 2022, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai during IPL 2022. Gujarat Titans won that encounter by 6 wickets, with Hardik Pandya scoring an unbeaten 62.
What is the head-to-head record between RCB and GT in IPL? A: As of the 2026 season, RCB and GT have played 10 IPL matches against each other, with each team winning 5 matches. The rivalry is perfectly balanced with no playoff meetings yet.
Who has scored the most runs in RCB vs Gujarat Titans matches? A: Virat Kohli leads the run-scoring charts in this fixture with 487 runs across 10 matches, including a highest score of 89. For GT, Shubman Gill has the most runs with 412.
Has RCB ever beaten Gujarat Titans in the IPL playoffs? A: No. As of 2026, RCB and GT have never met in the IPL playoffs. All 10 encounters have been league-stage matches. Both teams qualified for the playoffs in 2026 but were eliminated before facing each other.
Which venue has hosted the most RCB vs GT matches? A: The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has hosted 5 matches between RCB and GT, making it the most-used venue for this fixture. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has hosted the remaining 5.
Did Gujarat Titans win the IPL in their first season? A: Yes. Gujarat Titans won the IPL 2022 title in their debut season under captain Hardik Pandya, defeating Rajasthan Royals in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. It was a historic achievement for a new franchise.
Who captains RCB and GT in 2026? A: As of IPL 2026, Rajat Patidar captains Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while Shubman Gill leads Gujarat Titans. Both captains took over ahead of the 2025 season.
Conclusion
The royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline is a story of perfect balance—five wins apiece, contrasting styles, and a rivalry that grows richer every season. From GT’s fairytale debut-season title in 2022 to RCB’s dominant 59-run demolition in 2026, this fixture has delivered everything cricket fans crave: big hundreds, spellbinding spells, captaincy battles, and nail-biting finishes.
As both franchises look ahead to IPL 2027 and beyond, one thing is certain: the next chapter of this rivalry will be written with even greater intensity. With young stars like Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan maturing and RCB’s quest for a first title still burning, the royal challengers bengaluru vs gujarat titans timeline is far from complete. Stay tuned—the best is yet to come.
