Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final. The victory secured RCB’s second consecutive IPL title and placed captain Rajat Patidar alongside legendary leaders who have won back-to-back championships.
Playing at the same venue where they lifted their maiden trophy a year ago, RCB once again delivered under pressure. Virat Kohli starred with the bat, producing a masterclass chase to guide his side to another historic triumph.
RCB Bowlers Restrict Gujarat Titans
After winning the toss, Patidar chose to field first. His decision paid off as RCB’s bowlers quickly put GT on the back foot.
Openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill started positively, but Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck at crucial moments. Hazlewood dismissed Gill, while Bhuvneshwar removed Sudharsan to leave GT struggling early.
GT managed only 45 runs for the loss of two wickets in the Powerplay. RCB’s bowlers maintained tight lines and prevented the Titans from building momentum.
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Washington Sundar Fights Back for GT
The middle overs belonged to RCB as Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Salam kept the scoring under control. GT failed to find boundaries regularly and struggled against disciplined bowling.
Washington Sundar provided resistance with a valuable unbeaten fifty. He scored crucial runs in the death overs and helped GT reach 155-8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Rasikh Salam claimed three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood picked up two each.
Kohli Produces a Vintage Chase
Virat Kohli took charge from the beginning of the chase. He attacked Kagiso Rabada with confidence and showcased his full range of strokes.
Kohli smashed a six off a 155kph delivery and punished anything loose. Alongside Venkatesh Iyer, he helped RCB race to 70-2 in the Powerplay.
Although GT picked up a few wickets through Rashid Khan, Kohli remained composed. He reached his fastest IPL half-century in just 25 balls and ensured RCB stayed ahead of the required rate.
RCB Complete Historic Triumph
GT attempted a late comeback, but Kohli never allowed the pressure to build. He remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls and sealed victory with a towering six.
The winning shot sparked celebrations among RCB fans as the team secured a five-wicket victory with 12 balls to spare.
Match Summary
Gujarat Titans: 155-8 (20 overs)
Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 161-5 (18 overs)
Virat Kohli 75; Rashid Khan 2-25
Result: RCB won by 5 wickets.
With another IPL trophy in hand, RCB have firmly established themselves as one of the league’s dominant teams. Kohli’s brilliant innings once again proved why he remains one of the greatest players in IPL history.
