The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been on a mission to win the coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) title since its inception, but they’ve yet to taste success. Captain Rajat Patidar’s bold move to bowl first in the 2026 final against Gujarat Titans may have raised a few eyebrows, but does the strategy of bowling first really pay off in the grand finale of the world’s most popular T20 league? As the stage was set for a thrilling encounter on a good batting surface, the question on every cricket fan’s mind was whether Patidar’s decision would be the turning point for his team.
History Says Not to Choose Bowling First
A closer look at the IPL final history reveals that bowling first has not been the most successful strategy for teams. Since the inception of the league in 2008, teams that have chosen to bowl first in the final have won only 3 out of 14 times. The statistics speak for themselves, and it’s clear that the teams that have won the title have mostly chosen to bat first. The Gujarat Titans themselves are a prime example, having chosen to bat first in their 2025 final victory against the Delhi Capitals.
One possible reason for this trend could be the high-scoring nature of the IPL finals. The pitch, usually, is tailor-made for batting, and teams that bat first have an advantage of getting accustomed to the conditions. Bowling first, on the other hand, puts the pressure on the bowlers to make early inroads and restrict the opposition’s scoring. However, if the chasing team gets off to a good start, the momentum can swing in their favor, making it difficult for the bowling team to catch up.
Exception to the Rule?
However, there have been instances where bowling first has paid off in the IPL final. The Mumbai Indians, for instance, won the 2017 final by bowling out the Rising Pune Supergiant for just 128 runs. The key to their success was the exceptional bowling performance of their bowlers, who were able to restrict the opposition’s scoring and create pressure on their batsmen. Similarly, the Sunrisers Hyderabad won the 2016 final by bowling out the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for 148 runs.
These exceptions prove that bowling first is not a hard and fast rule, and it can pay off if the bowling team can execute their plans perfectly. However, in most cases, the teams that have won the title have chosen to bat first, taking advantage of the good batting conditions and scoring heavily.
Patidar’s Decision: Will it Pay Off?
As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final, Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first will be closely watched. Will his bowlers be able to make early inroads and restrict the opposition’s scoring, or will the Gujarat Titans batsmen take advantage of the good batting surface and chase down the target? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the IPL final is known for its thrilling finishes, and this match promises to be no exception.
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and the cricketing world is eagerly waiting to see what unfolds. Will the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s decision to bowl first pay off, or will the Gujarat Titans batsmen make it a memorable day for their fans? The answer lies in the execution of the plans and the performance of the players on the field.
