RCB are looking to make it to their second consecutive IPL final after ending the league stage as table-toppers, while GT are hoping to reach the final for the third time in their history and first time since the 2023 season. (PTI Photo/Salman Ali)

New Delhi: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday.RCB are looking to make it to their second consecutive IPL final after ending the league stage as table-toppers, while GT are hoping to reach the final for the third time in their history and first time since the 2023 season.According to the weather forecast, there is little chance of rain during the match as the probability of rain is more than 50 percent one hour before the game.Yet, as the day progresses, the chances of rain disrupting play in Dharamshala on Tuesday evening diminish.However, if rain disrupts play and persists for a long period of time during play, the match may be abandoned as both teams will have to play at least five overs to get a result.What if RCB vs GT match gets canceled?In case the game is completely washed out, there are no reserve days for the Qualifiers and Eliminators of the IPL 2026 Playoffs.The winner of the game will be decided by the team’s position in the league stage. With today’s match being abandoned due to rain, RCB will get a chance to defend their title in the final as they finished the league stage as table-toppers.For GT, after a washout the Shubman Gill-led team will qualify for the second qualifier, where they will face the winner of the eliminator.It will be a bit unfortunate as the two-time finalists will miss the chance to get a straight final berth, as they finished second on the points table in the league stage.There are strong narratives building up to this high-stakes competition. RCB enter the playoffs with a settled top-order, boosted by the return of Englishman Phil Salt, who is understood to have regained fitness ahead of the clash. The bowling attack will be led by Purple Cap holder Bhuvneshwar Kumar.While GT largely relies on its opening pair of captain Gill and left-armer Sai Sudarshan, they also have a strong fast bowling line-up, which includes players like Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.