RCB vs GT: Devdutt Padikkal Draws Fan Fury as GT Fight Back in IPL 2026 Final

Just when Royal Challengers Bengaluru looked set to race away with the IPL 2026 final, Gujarat Titans struck twice in quick succession to inject fresh life into the contest.

After an explosive start led by Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, GT removed both Venkatesh and Devdutt Padikkal within the space of two deliveries, bringing a packed Narendra Modi Stadium back into the game.

Venkatesh Iyer Falls After Fiery Cameo during RCB vs GT Final

Venkatesh Iyer was the architect of RCB's blistering start despite battling an apparent injury.

The left-hander looked in visible discomfort after pulling up while running between the wickets in the opening over. Yet he continued to attack, taking Kagiso Rabada apart in a remarkable second over that yielded 18 runs.

His knock featured four boundaries and a six off Rabada before he eventually departed for a rapid 32 off just 16 deliveries.

By the time he was dismissed at the end of the fifth over, RCB had already surged to 63/1 and broken the record for the fastest team fifty in an IPL final, reaching the milestone in just 3.3 overs.

Devdutt Padikkal Faces Backlash After Cheap Dismissal

If Venkatesh's wicket was accepted as the end of an attacking innings, Devdutt Padikkal's dismissal triggered a far harsher reaction.

Promoted into a strong position after RCB's explosive start, Padikkal lasted only one delivery before slicing Kagiso Rabada straight to Arshad Khan at deep third-man.

The dismissal came with RCB requiring less than 100 runs and still firmly in control of the chase.

Many supporters felt the left-hander had unnecessarily gifted away his wicket at a crucial moment.

Fans furious at Padikkal's RCB vs GT IPL Final performance

Padikkal's dismissal immediately became a talking point on social media.

One fan wrote:

"What was the need, Devdutt Padikkal? You not only threw away your wicket but also snatched the Purple Cap from Bhuvi."

Another posted:

"Please sell Devdutt Padikkal for this final performance alone. I don't care if we win. Messing up in a simple 150-run chase tells a lot."

A third supporter simply said:

"Will never forgive Devdutt Padikkal."

Others claimed Padikkal had cost Bhuvneshwar Kumar the Purple Cap race by allowing Kagiso Rabada to add another wicket to his tally.

GT Finally Find Some Relief

After conceding 55 runs inside the first four overs and watching Kohli and Venkatesh dominate, Gujarat desperately needed breakthroughs.

Rabada delivered exactly that.

The South African struck immediately after Venkatesh's dismissal to remove Padikkal and pull the Titans back into the contest.

While RCB remained favourites chasing 156, the double strike ensured the final was far from over.