Ahmedabad has slipped into IPL final mode. Despite the scorching heat and high humidity, thousands of cricket fans are expected to make their way to the Narendra Modi Stadium for the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. After more than two months of high-scoring encounters, dramatic finishes and memorable performances, the tournament has reached its climax with defending champions RCB set to take on the hosts in Ahmedabad.
The excitement surrounding the blockbuster clash is already visible across the city. At the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, official merchandise outlets of both franchises have been set up at the exit points of Terminals 1 and 2, giving arriving supporters an early glimpse of the final fever.
While both outlets have attracted fans, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stall appeared busier, underlining the franchise’s large travelling fanbase.
“We had been following Shubman Gill’s form for quite some time and knew he was playing really well. That’s why we opened the store as early as April 3. We supported the Gujarat Titans throughout and hoped they would go all the way. You must have seen how Gill scored a brilliant 104 and made it to the finals,” said Gauri Lalwani, who oversees the GT jersey outlet at Ahmedabad airport.
RCB merchandise manager Arvinder Preet Singh Saddhar highlighted the demand from supporters travelling for the final.
“As RCB have qualified for the final, we set up stalls at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to cater to travelling fans and create that match-day buzz,” Saddhar said.
“Most of our customers are RCB fans travelling to watch the match. Since RCB jerseys aren’t easily available outside right now, many prefer buying them directly from our airport store.”
Backing his team to emerge victorious, Saddhar added: “Since this is the Gujarat Titans’ home ground, many believe they will win. But I feel RCB will come out on top. They may have one star, but we have two.”
The rivalry between the two finalists was evident beyond the cricket field as well, with both outlets drawing steady crowds throughout the day.
“It’s quite competitive. Both stalls are doing well. The crowd is almost evenly split, roughly around 80:20 in phases, depending on the flow of passengers,” Saddhar added.
Despite the difference in footfall, the Gujarat Titans camp remained confident.
“Compared to them, the crowd at our store may be smaller, but we believe the Gujarat Titans will win the final,” Lalwani said.