Royal Challengers Bengaluru have etched their name deeper into IPL history, successfully defending their title and lifting the trophy for a second consecutive season. A year after ending their long wait for an IPL crown, RCB returned to familiar territory and produced another championship-winning performance, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final.
The victory not only secured RCB’s second straight title but also placed captain Rajat Patidar among an exclusive group of leaders who have guided their teams to consecutive IPL triumphs. More importantly, it was another unforgettable night for Virat Kohli, whose brilliant unbeaten innings ensured Bengaluru stayed firmly in control during the chase.
Cricket fans following the biggest moments from IPL 2026 can also stay updated with match reports and live scores through Live Cricket Score RCB Bowlers Set the Foundation
In a bold move, Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first despite the pressure and atmosphere of a packed final in Ahmedabad. The decision quickly paid dividends as Bengaluru’s experienced pace attack made excellent use of the conditions.
Early boundaries from Sai Sudharsan suggested Gujarat Titans could make a strong start, but RCB’s bowlers soon took control. Josh Hazlewood struck an important blow by removing Shubman Gill, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Sudharsan after a sharp catch behind the stumps by Jitesh Sharma.
The Titans struggled to accelerate during the Powerplay and reached only 45 for 2 after six overs without clearing the boundary even once.
Gujarat Titans Find Runs Hard to Come By
RCB’s disciplined bowling continued throughout the middle overs. Gujarat found scoring increasingly difficult as Krunal Pandya delivered tight spells and prevented the batters from finding any rhythm.
Nishant Sindhu was dismissed after failing to convert his start, while Jos Buttler also fell during a period where boundaries became extremely rare.
The pressure built steadily, forcing Gujarat to search for alternative ways to increase the scoring rate.
Arshad Khan briefly injected momentum with a couple of sixes, and Washington Sundar provided some much-needed stability in the latter stages of the innings. However, every time Gujarat threatened to build a partnership, Bengaluru found a breakthrough.
Sundar’s Fighting Fifty Gives GT Hope
Despite the challenges around him, Washington Sundar battled hard to keep Gujarat competitive.
His calculated strokeplay in the final overs helped push the score beyond 150, a target that at least offered the Titans a chance in the title clash.
Sundar’s unbeaten half-century came from 37 deliveries and included several crucial boundaries against RCB’s pace attack.
Thanks largely to his efforts, Gujarat Titans closed their innings on 155 for 8 in 20 overs.
Kohli Takes Control of the Chase
If RCB’s bowlers created the platform, Virat Kohli made sure the opportunity was not wasted.
From the beginning of the chase, the veteran batter looked determined to finish the job. His timing, placement, and aggressive intent immediately put Gujarat’s bowlers under pressure.
One of the standout moments arrived when Kohli dispatched a high-speed Kagiso Rabada delivery deep into the stands with a powerful flick over midwicket. The shot set the tone for an innings filled with confidence and authority.
Alongside Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli helped Bengaluru race to a flying start, collecting 55 runs within the first four overs.
Early Wickets Fail to Slow Bengaluru
Although Gujarat managed to remove both Venkatesh Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal during the Powerplay, the chase never truly slipped away from Bengaluru.
Rajat Patidar briefly entertained with a quick boundary and six before Rashid Khan brought Gujarat back into the contest. The Afghan spinner dismissed Patidar and then trapped Krunal Pandya, offering the Titans a glimmer of hope.
For a short period, the match became more competitive as RCB lost momentum and Gujarat attempted to claw their way back into the final.
Kohli Produces His Fastest IPL Fifty
With pressure beginning to build, Kohli once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most reliable players in IPL history.
Despite dealing with visible discomfort from a strain, he continued to score freely and reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries — the fastest fifty of his IPL career.
The milestone reflected not only his intent but also his understanding of the occasion. Rather than allowing Gujarat’s bowlers to dictate terms, Kohli maintained control of the chase and kept the required rate comfortably within reach.
Tim David provided valuable support during an important partnership, helping Bengaluru move closer to the target.
RCB Seal Another Historic Triumph
As the finish line approached, Gujarat searched desperately for breakthroughs. They even introduced impact substitute Prasidh Krishna in an effort to spark a collapse.
A brief moment of drama arrived when Kohli appeared to have been caught in the outfield, but television replays confirmed the ball had touched the ground before the catch was completed.
The escape proved costly for Gujarat.
Soon after, Kohli fittingly delivered the winning moment himself, launching the ball over long-on to secure the championship. The shot sparked celebrations among RCB players and supporters as the franchise claimed consecutive IPL titles for the first time.
A Legacy-Defining Night for Kohli and RCB
One year earlier, Virat Kohli’s emotional reaction after winning his maiden IPL title became one of the defining images of the tournament.
This time, the scene was different.
Rather than watching from the sidelines, Kohli stood at the centre of the action, guiding his team home with an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls. His composed yet aggressive innings perfectly captured his influence on the franchise and highlighted why he remains one of the game’s greatest performers.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the victory confirmed their rise from first-time champions to a dominant force in the IPL. For Kohli, it was another memorable chapter in an already remarkable career.
Back-to-back titles, a match-winning innings in the final, and a place in IPL history — it was a night RCB fans will remember for years to come.
