Gujarat Titans’ IPL 2026 Final Preparations Hit by Stormy Weather
The Gujarat Titans are facing some hiccups as they gear up for the IPL 2026 final against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Due to stormy weather, their arrival in Ahmedabad has been delayed, giving them less than 24 hours to prepare for the big match set for Sunday.
As reported, the Titans were supposed to take off from Chandigarh on a charter flight Saturday afternoon, just a day after their successful match against the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. However, heavy rains in Punjab and Rajasthan caused flight delays, and several departures, including the Titans’ flight, were unable to take off.
The team is now expected to reach Ahmedabad only after 10 PM on Saturday. After landing, they will travel around 30 minutes to their hotel in Gandhinagar.
This late arrival presents an extra challenge for Shubman Gill’s team as they prepare for their third IPL final and aim for their second title. This is also a unique situation, as it marks the first time an IPL finalist has had to travel on the eve of the final, thanks to the BCCI’s decision to hold the playoffs in three venues instead of the usual two.
Conversely, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have had a smoother lead-up to the final. After qualifying directly for the final through Qualifier 1, they arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday and have already completed two training sessions.
Captain Rajat Patidar noted that the extra recovery time is likely an advantage, but he isn’t overstating its importance. “Yes, because after Qualifier 1 we got enough time to rest and recover. At the same time, GT are coming straight from Qualifier 2,” Patidar said. “There is some sort of advantage, but not a huge one because both teams are very good and have played excellent cricket.”
Ahmedabad will host its fourth IPL final, with weather forecasts indicating clear skies for the match. However, memories of the rain-affected final in 2023 linger, which had to continue on a reserve day due to delays.
The Titans are eager to reclaim the title they first won in 2022. Last season, they came heartbreakingly close to defending their crown, losing in a nail-biting finish to the Chennai Super Kings.
As the Titans and RCB prepare for the final showdown, fans are excited for what promises to be an unforgettable match.
