RCB Create History: Kohli Leads Bengaluru to Back-to-Back IPL Titles

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name into IPL history once again, becoming only the third franchise to successfully defend an IPL title after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

After waiting 18 years for their maiden IPL trophy, RCB have now transformed into a dominant force, clinching consecutive championships under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.

Bowlers Set Up the Victory

Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, RCB's pace attack made full use of the slightly sluggish surface. Veteran quicks Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early blows, removing Gujarat's star openers and putting the Titans under immediate pressure.

Hazlewood dismissed GT captain Shubman Gill, while Bhuvneshwar accounted for Sai Sudharsan. The Titans never truly recovered from the early setbacks.

Rasikh Salam continued his breakthrough season with an impressive three-wicket haul, while Krunal Pandya once again delivered in a final, claiming the crucial wicket of Jos Buttler. Gujarat Titans eventually managed 155/8 in their 20 overs, with Washington Sundar fighting till the end with a resilient half-century.

GT Innings: 155/8 (20 Overs)

• Washington Sundar – 50*
• Josh Hazlewood – 2 wickets
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 2 wickets
• Rasikh Salam – 3 wickets
• Krunal Pandya – 1 wicket

Kohli Rises on the Biggest Stage

Chasing 156 for victory, RCB received an explosive start from Venkatesh Iyer, who smashed 32 runs from just 16 deliveries despite suffering an early knee injury.

The spotlight, however, belonged to Virat Kohli.

The RCB icon produced a masterclass under pressure, scoring an unbeaten 75 and registering both his fastest IPL fifty and highest playoff score. Kohli dominated the chase with elegant strokeplay and aggressive intent, ensuring the required run rate remained firmly under control.

Despite losing a few wickets in the middle overs, RCB never allowed Gujarat Titans back into the contest. Kohli finished the match in style, striking a boundary and a six to seal victory with two overs remaining.

RCB Innings: 161/5 (18 Overs)

• Virat Kohli – 75* (Match-winning knock)
• Venkatesh Iyer – 32 (16)
• Rashid Khan – 2/25

A Legacy Cemented

For Kohli, this victory adds another golden chapter to an already legendary IPL career. After years of chasing the elusive trophy, the former captain now celebrates back-to-back IPL championships with the franchise he has represented throughout his career.

RCB's triumph was built on disciplined bowling, fearless batting, and a champion mindset that has defined their remarkable title defense.

As the celebrations erupted in Ahmedabad, one thing became clear:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are no longer chasing history — they are creating it.

Final Result

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets

Player of the Match

Virat Kohli – 75* (Match-winning unbeaten knock)

IPL 2026 Champions

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)