Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Suddenly Brought In For RCB vs GT? Gujarat Finally An – Why Was Kulwant Khejroliya Selected for RCB vs GT? Glenn Phillips Explains

The High-Stakes Clash at Dharamshala: RCB vs GT

On May 26, 2026, the spectacular HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala hosted a high-octane encounter as Gujarat Titans (GT) squared off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The scenic venue, known for its friendly chasing conditions and high altitudes, set the perfect backdrop for a playoff thriller. Winning the toss, the Gujarat Titans captain opted to bowl first, trusting his team’s in-form batting lineup to chase down whatever target RCB set on this notoriously fast outfield. However, the tactical decision backfired as RCB’s batting unit unleashed a historic onslaught, leaving GT to ponder over their strategic decisions, particularly the surprise inclusion of left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya.

Rajat Patidar Propels RCB to a Record Total

Royal Challengers Bengaluru walked out with clear intent, knowing a massive total was crucial to put pressure on the chasing-heavy Titans. Openers set a solid foundation with the legendary Virat Kohli scoring a steady 43, while Devdutt Padikkal provided quickfire momentum with a breezy 30 off just 19 deliveries. However, the real destruction was orchestrated by Rajat Patidar, who played a breathtaking innings that will go down in IPL playoff history.

Patidar smashed 9 massive sixes and 5 boundaries in an unbeaten knock of 93*, single-handedly shifting the momentum of the game. He found an able partner in Krunal Pandya, who added a crucial 43 runs of his own. Together, they steered RCB to a monumental 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs, setting a record total for an IPL playoff match.

Gujarat Titans’ Chase Falls Flat Under Pressure

Facing a mountain of 255 runs to win, Gujarat Titans’ chase never really found its rhythm. Young sensation Sai Sudharsan showed early promise, hitting a few elegant boundaries for his quick 14 runs, but the chase suffered a massive blow when captain Shubman Gill was dismissed for a single-digit score by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Rahul Tewatia fought valiantly with a spirited 68, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of a highly disciplined RCB bowling attack.

GT was eventually bowled out for 162, handing RCB a comprehensive 92-run victory and a direct ticket to the IPL 2026 final. Among the many talking points of the match, the sudden inclusion of left-arm speedster Kulwant Khejroliya stood out as a major strategic puzzle.

Kulwant Khejroliya’s Mixed Night in Dharamshala

Having not played a single match in IPL 2026 prior to this crucial playoff, Khejroliya’s selection in the playing XI was a massive gamble by the GT team management. The high-pressure situation of a Qualifier 1 appeared to take its toll, resulting in a mixed performance. Khejroliya started brilliantly, bowling an excellent first over where he conceded only 3 runs, showcasing great variations and control. However, things fell apart in his second over.

Faced with an aggressive Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya, Khejroliya was taken to the cleaners. He leaked 28 runs in his second over, which included four boundaries, a six, a wide, and two costly no-balls. This over allowed RCB to break free and build the momentum required to breach the 250-run mark.

Glenn Phillips Explains the Tactical Selection

Following the disappointing loss, Gujarat Titans’ all-rounder Glenn Phillips addressed the media and explained the rationale behind Khejroliya’s sudden selection. Phillips revealed that the decision was heavily backed by the coaching staff based on Khejroliya’s stellar performances in training sessions. He emphasized that the team management has full faith in the left-armer’s capabilities despite the tough night.

“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,” Glenn Phillips said in the post-match press conference.

Phillips added, “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.”

The Road Ahead: Qualifier 2 in Mullanpur

Despite the heavy defeat, Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 campaign is far from over. By virtue of finishing in the top two during the league stage, they have another shot at reaching the final. GT will now travel to Mullanpur for Qualifier 2 on May 29, 2026. They are scheduled to face the winner of the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), which takes place on May 27, 2026.

Meanwhile, a jubilant Royal Challengers Bengaluru has sailed directly into the final, which is set to take place at the grand stage in Ahmedabad on May 31, 2026. GT will need to quickly address their bowling concerns and mental errors if they hope to secure a rematch against RCB in the grand finale.