Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Suddenly Brought In For RCB vs GT? Gujarat Finally An – Why Kulwant Khejroliya Was Included in GT XI for IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
The Strategic Surprise: Khejroliya Enters the Fold
In the high-stakes environment of the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, held at the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, 2026, the Gujarat Titans (GT) made a tactical selection that caught many by surprise. Left-arm pacer Kulwant Khejroliya was drafted into the playing XI to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking his first appearance of the season. Given the importance of the match, the decision sparked immediate interest among fans and analysts alike.
The Toss and RCB’s Batting Masterclass
The Gujarat Titans’ captain won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision backed by the prevailing conditions at the Dharamshala venue, which is traditionally regarded as an excellent ground for chasing. However, the plan hit a major roadblock as Royal Challengers Bengaluru came out with clear intent. While Virat Kohli provided a steady 43 and Devdutt Padikkal contributed a blistering 30 off just 19 deliveries, it was Rajat Patidar who stole the show.
Patidar played a magnificent innings, remaining unbeaten on 93. His knock featured a staggering 9 sixes and 5 fours. Supported by a crucial 43 from Krunal Pandya, RCB surged to a formidable total of 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs—a record-breaking performance in the history of IPL playoffs.
The Trial by Fire for Kulwant Khejroliya
For Kulwant Khejroliya, the match was a true test of temperament. He began his spell with immense promise, conceding only 3 runs in an economical opening over. This displayed the raw potential that the coaching staff had clearly identified during training sessions. However, the intensity of a playoff game often exposes even the most talented individuals.
When Khejroliya returned for his second over, he faced the sheer power of Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya. The pacer was taken for 28 runs in that over, which included four fours, one six, one wide, and two costly no-balls. It was a steep learning curve for the bowler, as the pressure of the occasion proved to be a difficult hurdle to clear.
Glenn Phillips Addresses the Decision
Following the match, Gujarat Titans all-rounder Glenn Phillips faced questions regarding the logic behind Khejroliya’s inclusion. He defended the coaching staff’s decision by highlighting the work done behind the scenes. “That came from the coaching staff and what they have seen Kulwant do in training, and he’s a phenomenal bowler. He has got great skills and showed those skills in the first over, as we all saw,” Phillips stated during the post-match press conference.
He acknowledged the rough patch in the second over, noting, “Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off in the second over, but pressure of the game can do that to someone, and the coaching staff have full faith in everybody. They’d have a conversation with Kulwant for sure, and he would be fully prepared to do the job.”
The Road Ahead for the Titans
Despite the 92-run defeat and the disappointment of the result, the Gujarat Titans remain in contention for the IPL 2026 title. By virtue of their league standing, they have earned a second opportunity to reach the final via Qualifier 2. They will now await the outcome of the Eliminator match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Rajasthan Royals.
Qualifier 2 is scheduled to take place in Mullanpur on May 29, 2026. Should they succeed there, they will earn a spot in the grand finale, set to be held on May 31 in Ahmedabad. As for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they have officially booked their ticket to the final, riding the wave of their dominant batting performance in Dharamshala.
