AHMEDABAD — Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill expressed confidence on Friday after his side secured a top-two finish in the IPL 2026 league stage, and Saturday's fixtures are expected to confirm the full playoff bracket as the remaining elimination matches conclude. With Chennai Super Kings already knocked out following their stunning defeat to GT, attention now turns to which team will join the Titans in Qualifier 1.

Gill, who described his side as having 'momentum' after their victory over CSK, has marshalled a consistent GT campaign built on disciplined bowling and explosive batting in the powerplay. Their Narendra Modi Stadium fortress has proven difficult for opponents to crack, and the captain's form at the top of the order has been a decisive factor throughout the league phase.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have also clinched a playoff berth according to the updated points table, face a pivotal fixture on Saturday that will determine their seeding. RCB's progression adds a high-stakes quality to the day's play, with both franchises keen to avoid the Eliminator route and instead lock in a second shot at the final via Qualifier 2 if needed.

Kolkata Knight Riders, fresh from their four-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians — secured through Manish Pandey's vital innings — remain in contention for a top-four berth. Saturday's results will determine whether KKR join GT and RCB in the top four or are forced into the Eliminator. Mumbai Indians, whose campaign has faltered at the crucial stage, face a likely elimination scenario.

The IPL playoff schedule is expected to be officially confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Saturday evening, with Qualifier 1 provisionally pencilled in for late May at a neutral venue. For Gill and the Titans, the priority will be rest and preparation — a luxury their opponents further down the standings cannot yet afford.