IPL 2026 Playoffs: Google Unveils New Doodle Ahead Of Crucial Qualifier 1 Between RCB & GT

IPL 2026: Ahead of the crucial playoffs, Google has put out a creative doodle to celebrate the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League. Coming to the playoffs, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will look to battle it out with the Gujarat Titans at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.

The creative design has resonated with the fan base, who are poised to turn out in large numbers to support their respective franchises. People who will be clicking on the doodle will be redirected to the search page of the Indian Premier League, where you can follow the live scores from the match and get all the latest updates.

IPL 2026 Playoffs: RCB Take On GT In Qualifier 1

IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 will feature a blockbuster showdown between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) later today, with a spot in the final on the line. Both teams finished the league stage level on 18 points, but RCB edged ahead to secure a higher position on the table due to a superior net run rate.

Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB have impressed this season with their bold batting approach and a disciplined bowling unit that has delivered in key moments. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, have built their campaign on consistency, using a balanced squad and controlled bowling performances to reach the playoffs.

The stakes could not be higher, as the winner of this encounter will advance directly to the IPL 2026 final on May 31.

Elsewhere, Rajasthan Royals confirmed their place in the playoffs after a crucial win over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium, securing fourth position in the standings. They now join RCB, GT, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the knockout stage.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished third, will take on fourth-placed Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator on May 27 in New Chandigarh. The loser will be eliminated from the tournament, while the winner will move forward to Qualifier 2 on May 29, where they will face the loser of Qualifier 1.