RCB Defend IPL Title as Virat Kohli’s Unbeaten 75 Sinks Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history by successfully defending their Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Guided by a brilliant unbeaten knock from Virat Kohli and backed by a disciplined bowling performance, RCB secured their second IPL crown and fourth major franchise title overall, including two Women’s Premier League trophies.

Chasing a target of 156, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to an explosive opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. Iyer attacked from the outset, smashing Kagiso Rabada for three fours and a six in the second over before RCB crossed the 50-run mark in just 3.4 overs.

Kohli was equally aggressive, taking on both Mohammed Siraj and Rabada with a series of boundaries. The defending champions raced to 62/1 when Iyer departed after scoring 32 off just 16 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

GT struck again soon after as Rabada dismissed Devdutt Padikkal for one run, reducing RCB to 63/2. Kohli, however, continued to dominate and helped his side finish the powerplay strongly at 70/2.

The Titans fought back in the middle overs through Rashid Khan, who removed captain Rajat Patidar for 15 and Krunal Pandya for one in the same over. RCB slipped to 91/4, giving GT a glimmer of hope.

Kohli responded with one of the finest innings of the season. The star batter reached his half-century in just 25 balls, his fastest IPL fifty and his first playoff half-century in a decade. His innings combined aggression and control, keeping the required rate comfortably within reach.

Tim David provided useful support with a quick 24 from 17 deliveries, sharing a crucial 43-run partnership with Kohli. Although David fell with RCB at 132/5 in the 16th over, the result was never in serious doubt.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes, while Jitesh Sharma stayed with him as RCB completed the chase in 18 overs with two overs to spare.

Earlier, after winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to field first, and his bowlers justified the decision immediately.

Josh Hazlewood removed Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for 10 in the third over, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 12 shortly afterward. GT struggled to gain momentum and ended the powerplay at 45/2.

The pressure continued to build as Rasikh Dar Salam dismissed Nishant Sindhu for 20. Gujarat crawled to 63/3 after 10 overs, with RCB’s bowlers maintaining tight lines and lengths.

Jos Buttler attempted to anchor the innings but managed only 19 from 23 balls before Krunal Pandya claimed his wicket. Arshad Khan briefly provided some acceleration with 15 off six deliveries, but Hazlewood removed him quickly, leaving GT at 99/5.

Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse and played a fighting innings. He found support from Jason Holder and later Rashid Khan, helping Gujarat move past 150.

Sundar remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 balls, hitting five fours, but lacked substantial support from the rest of the batting lineup. Nishant Sindhu’s 20 was the only other score above 20 for GT.

Rashid briefly entertained the crowd with a six in the final over before Rasikh dismissed him on the next delivery. Gujarat eventually finished on 155/8 from their 20 overs.

RCB’s bowling unit delivered throughout the innings. Rasikh Dar Salam led the attack with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 2/29 and Josh Hazlewood claimed 2/37. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a wicket during a crucial middle-over spell.

Brief Scores:

• GT: 155/8: (Washington Sundar 50, Nishant Sindhu 20, Rasikh Salam 3/27)
• RCB: 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Rashid Khan 2/25)

“Feels superb”: Rajat Patidar after leading RCB to back-to-back IPL titles

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar said he “feels superb” after leading the franchise to its second consecutive IPL title, following a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad. RCB became only the third team after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully defend the IPL crown. Patidar credited the team’s clear planning and decision to chase after winning the toss, while praising the contributions of the bowling attack throughout the season. “It feels superb. When we came here there was a lot of memories of last year. I don’t have words to express but feeling very good. It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP, Suyash and Shepherd, they bowled really well throughout the tournament,” Patidar said.

Reflecting on his journey, Patidar admitted that captaining RCB and lifting the IPL trophy was beyond his dreams. He highlighted the confidence gained from last season, the overwhelming support from fans, and the guidance he received from batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik. He also acknowledged Virat Kohli’s constant presence within the team and dedicated the triumph to RCB supporters. “I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that. We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere it felt like a home ground for us with the fans coming in. The pre tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyze which shots are good for me. I got so many inputs from DK, which were helpful for me. He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team. This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu,” he added.