Virat Kohli Powers RCB to Back-to-Back IPL Titles with Dominant Win Over Gujarat Titans

Ahmedabad, May 2026 : Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League crown, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Spearheaded by a magnificent unbeaten innings from Virat Kohli, RCB chased down a target of 156 with ease to secure their second consecutive IPL title and cement their place among the league’s elite franchises.

The star of the night was Kohli, who produced a masterclass under pressure, smashing the fastest half-century of his IPL career and remaining unbeaten on 75 off just 42 balls. His innings, decorated with nine boundaries and three sixes, was also his highest score in an IPL playoff match. The veteran batter once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the greatest players in the tournament’s history, guiding RCB home with authority.

Kohli’s latest heroics also extended a remarkable record for the Bengaluru franchise. Since 2025, RCB have not lost a single match in which the former captain has scored a half-century. On the biggest stage of the season, he once again delivered when it mattered most.

The victory marks another significant milestone for RCB. Having won their maiden IPL title in Ahmedabad in 2025, they have now become only the third franchise in tournament history, after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to successfully defend an IPL championship. The triumph also continued the trend of Qualifier 1 winners going on to lift the IPL trophy, a streak that has now extended to nine seasons.

Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans were restricted to 155/8 after being put in to bat. A fighting unbeaten half-century from Washington Sundar helped the Titans post a competitive total, but disciplined bowling from RCB prevented them from gaining momentum throughout the innings.

Young pacer Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 27, while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided crucial breakthroughs with the new ball. Their efforts ensured that Gujarat’s formidable batting line-up never truly settled.

Chasing 156, RCB got off to a sensational start. Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer attacked from the outset, putting the Gujarat bowlers under immense pressure. Kohli displayed his full range of strokes, driving, pulling and flicking with precision, while Iyer played a fearless supporting role despite carrying a knee niggle.

The duo raced to the fastest team fifty ever recorded in an IPL final, reaching the landmark in just 21 deliveries. Their aggressive approach immediately tilted the contest in RCB’s favour and ensured the required run rate never became an issue.

Iyer’s entertaining knock of 32 from 16 balls ended when he miscued a pull shot, but not before giving RCB the ideal platform. Devdutt Padikkal followed soon after, falling cheaply to Kagiso Rabada.

However, Gujarat struggled to capitalize as Kohli continued to dominate proceedings. RCB captain Rajat Patidar joined him at the crease and maintained the momentum with a fluent cameo that included a six and a boundary. The pair added valuable runs before Patidar was dismissed by Rashid Khan.

Rashid struck again in the same over to remove Krunal Pandya, briefly offering Gujarat a glimmer of hope. But Kohli remained composed and found another capable partner in Tim David.

Despite experiencing cramps in his right leg, Kohli reached his fifty in just 25 balls, receiving loud cheers from the packed stadium. David added quick runs before being dismissed, while wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma ensured there were no further hiccups.

Kohli also survived a close chance when a catch attempt by Shubman Gill was ruled not out after television replays confirmed the ball had touched the ground. The reprieve proved costly for Gujarat as the RCB talisman continued his march towards victory.

Fittingly, it was Kohli who completed the chase. He first found the gap through the leg side before launching a towering six over long-on to seal the win in emphatic fashion. The moment sparked wild celebrations among players, support staff and thousands of RCB supporters, who witnessed their team claim another historic title.

The triumph also added to several remarkable individual records. Hazlewood maintained his unbeaten record in white-ball finals, while Krunal Pandya continued his perfect record of winning every IPL final in which he has played.

With back-to-back championships now secured, RCB have firmly established themselves among the most successful franchises in IPL history. The victory also gives the Bengaluru franchise the rare distinction of simultaneously holding both the IPL and Women’s Premier League titles, underlining their dominance in Indian franchise cricket.

Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50*; Rasikh Salam Dar 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75*; Venkatesh Iyer 32, Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.

Team Maverick.