Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru once again proved why they were the team to beat this season, successfully defending their Indian Premier League title with a commanding five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans in the final.
At the heart of the triumph stood Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten 75 guided RCB to a comfortable chase and sealed a second consecutive championship for the franchise.
Chasing a modest target of 156 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB showed confidence from the outset. Kohli, known for thriving under pressure, set the tone early with an aggressive approach.
𝘾.𝙃.𝘼.𝙈.𝙋.𝙄.𝙊.𝙉.𝙎 🏆🏆@RCBTweets have done it again ❤️#TATAIPL | #Final | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT pic.twitter.com/ww2zB98Xb8
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 31, 2026
Alongside Venkatesh Iyer, he dismantled the Titans’ bowling attack in the power play, ensuring the required run rate never became a concern.
The opening pair raced to 62 runs in just 4.3 overs, effectively putting Gujarat on the back foot. Kohli was particularly severe on Kagiso Rabada, striking a sequence of boundaries and a six that shifted momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favor.
Although RCB suffered a brief wobble with the quick dismissals of Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, captain Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya, Kohli remained unfazed. He anchored the innings with typical composure, carefully balancing caution with calculated aggression.
His half-century came at a crucial stage and helped steady the chase. Tim David then provided valuable support with a brisk 24, easing the pressure further.
Kohli also survived a scare when Shubman Gill’s catch near the boundary was overturned after a review confirmed the ball had touched the grass.
Ee Sala Nu Cup Namdu! ❤️🔥🏆
Welcome to the RCB Era, ladies and gentlemen! 😎
You waited, you believed and you stayed… this one’s for you again, 12th Man Army! 🥹❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/04qxW21j9q
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 31, 2026
Fittingly, it was Kohli who finished the contest in style, launching Arshad Khan over the ropes for a match-winning six. The moment sparked wild celebrations in the RCB camp as players rushed onto the field to embrace the man who has been the face of the franchise since 2008.
Earlier, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory with a disciplined display on a sluggish surface. Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum throughout their innings and eventually managed only 155 for eight.
Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, the pillars of Gujarat’s batting this season, were dismissed cheaply. Josh Hazlewood removed Gill, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar accounted for Sudharsan with a well-executed short ball. Their departures left Gujarat searching for stability during a subdued power play.
Washington Sundar fought hard with an unbeaten 50 and tried to hold the innings together but lacked meaningful support from the other end. Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu, and Rahul Tewatia all failed to make significant contributions as RCB’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
🏆⭐ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗔, 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡! ⭐🏆 pic.twitter.com/kIcSkZMMnk
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 31, 2026
Young pacer Rasikh Salam Dhar emerged as a key performer, claiming three important wickets, while Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar delivered timely breakthroughs. Gujarat’s struggles were summed up by the fact that their first six innings arrived only in the 13th over.
In the end, the final belonged entirely to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Their bowlers controlled the game, their batters chased with authority, and Kohli once again delivered on the biggest stage.
The victory not only secured another IPL trophy but also reinforced RCB’s status as the dominant force of the season.
