Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Suddenly Brought In For RCB vs GT? Gujarat Finally An – Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Included for RCB vs GT Qualifier 1

The Strategic Gamble: Kulwant Khejroliya’s Surprise Inclusion

In the high-pressure environment of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, held at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, 2026, the Gujarat Titans (GT) made a bold and unexpected move. They drafted left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya into their playing XI to face a formidable Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side. It was a significant moment for the bowler, marking his debut appearance of the 2026 season in the most critical of settings.

The Gujarat Titans, led by their captain, entered the match with clear intentions, winning the toss and electing to bowl first. Dharamshala is historically known as a chasing ground, and with GT boasting a confident batting lineup, the strategy seemed sound on paper. However, the game quickly spiraled into a masterclass of aggressive batting by their opponents.

Rajat Patidar’s Record-Breaking Assault

Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached their innings with a clear mandate: dominate. While Virat Kohli contributed a solid 43 and Devdutt Padikkal added 30 runs off just 19 deliveries, it was Rajat Patidar who truly defined the innings. Patidar played an unforgettable knock of 93 not out, systematically dismantling the GT bowling attack. Smashing 9 sixes and 5 fours, he was ably supported by Krunal Pandya, who added 43 runs of his own. Together, they propelled RCB to a staggering total of 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs—a record-setting score in the history of IPL playoffs.

The Challenge of the Run Chase

Faced with a daunting target, the Gujarat Titans’ chase never quite gathered the momentum required to threaten the RCB total. Sai Sudharsan provided a glimpse of hope with some elegant stroke-play, but the dismissal of Shubman Gill for a single-digit score against Bhuvneshwar Kumar set them back significantly. Despite a valiant 68-run effort from Rahul Tewatia, the Titans were eventually restricted to 162, losing the match by a massive 92-run margin. With this victory, RCB secured their place in the IPL 2026 final.

Explaining the Khejroliya Factor

The spotlight, however, remained fixed on the tactical decision to field Kulwant Khejroliya. His performance was a game of two halves. He began his spell with an excellent first over, conceding only 3 runs and showcasing the potential that the coaching staff had clearly identified. Yet, the pressure of the playoff intensity became evident in his second over, where he was taken to the cleaners by Patidar and Pandya, leaking 28 runs in an over that included two no-balls and a wide.

Following the match, Gujarat Titans all-rounder Glenn Phillips addressed the media to explain the rationale behind the selection. “That came from the coaching staff and what they have seen Kulwant do in training, and he’s a phenomenal bowler. He has got great skills and showed those skills in the first over, as we all saw,” Phillips stated during the post-match press conference.

Phillips emphasized that despite the rough second over, the belief within the camp remains unshaken. “Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off in the second over, but pressure of the game can do that to someone, and the coaching staff have full faith in everybody. They’d have a conversation with Kulwant for sure, and he would be fully prepared to do the job,” he added.

Looking Ahead: The Path to the Final

While the defeat in Qualifier 1 is a setback, the Gujarat Titans’ tournament journey is far from over. By virtue of their position in the standings, they have a second chance to reach the final. They are now set to play in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. This crucial match is scheduled for May 29, 2026, in Mullanpur. The winner of that contest will go on to meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final, which is slated for May 31 in Ahmedabad.