Virat Kohli Delivers Another Final Masterclass as RCB Defend IPL Title in Style

Virat Kohli once again showcased his ability to shine on cricket’s biggest stages, producing a magnificent unbeaten 75 to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a successful defence of their Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Chasing 156 against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kohli anchored the innings with a composed yet aggressive knock, helping RCB secure a five-wicket victory with two overs to spare and claim their second consecutive IPL crown.

The Indian batting icon was at the heart of RCB’s chase from the very beginning. He shared a rapid 62-run opening partnership with Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32 from just 16 deliveries. While wickets continued to fall at the other end and Gujarat Titans attempted a comeback by reducing RCB to 132/5, Kohli remained calm under pressure and ensured there were no further hiccups. His unbeaten 75 came from just 42 balls and included nine fours and three sixes, with the veteran batter finishing the match in emphatic fashion.

The innings further enhanced Kohli’s already extraordinary record in T20 tournament finals. Across nine T20 tournament finals, he has now accumulated 419 runs at an average of 59.25 and a strike rate of 132.59, including four half-centuries and a highest score of 77. No other Indian batter has registered four fifty-plus scores in T20 tournament finals, while Kohli also owns the highest batting average among players with more than 300 runs in such matches.

Kohli’s match-winning performance in the final capped another outstanding IPL campaign. The former RCB captain finished IPL 2026 as the fourth-highest run-scorer with 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84. His season featured one century, five half-centuries and a highest score of 105 not out, underlining his consistency and ability to deliver throughout the tournament.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar was among those who acknowledged Kohli’s influence on the team’s success. While reflecting on the title-winning campaign, Patidar highlighted how Kohli continued to guide and support the squad despite not leading the side. “He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team,” Patidar said after RCB lifted the trophy for the second consecutive year.

Patidar also revealed how special the achievement was for him and the franchise, particularly with the backing of their passionate supporters. The skipper credited the team’s preparation and confidence heading into the season but made it clear that Kohli’s presence remained invaluable throughout the campaign.

Dream of scoring the winning hit, evolution, self-improvement with time: Virat Kohli speaks after RCB seals back-to-back IPL titles

Following the title-winning victory, Kohli described the moment as a dream come true, revealing that he had often imagined himself hitting the winning runs in an IPL final. The 37-year-old said RCB entered the match feeling relaxed and confident about their game plan, which helped him remain composed during the chase. Kohli’s unbeaten 75 from 42 balls also included the fastest IPL fifty of his career, achieved in just 25 deliveries. He said the aggressive approach was a reflection of the demands of modern T20 cricket, where batters must constantly evolve and find ways to score extra runs.

Kohli also spoke about adapting his mindset despite already enjoying four consecutive IPL seasons with more than 600 runs. He credited the rise of young players for pushing him to improve and said he focused on taking on the opposition’s best bowlers more frequently. The former RCB captain emphasized the importance of experienced players delivering in pressure situations, stating that “big boys” need to step up when trophies are on the line. He also praised the team’s management, including Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik and Mo Bobat, for building a championship-winning squad, while thanking RCB’s passionate fanbase for their unwavering support throughout the season.