Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League crown with a commanding five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. Led by a sensational unbeaten knock from Virat Kohli, RCB chased down 156 with 12 balls to spare and lifted their second consecutive IPL trophy.
After winning the toss, RCB captain Virat Kohli chose to bowl first, a decision that immediately paid dividends. The Bengaluru pace attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings, preventing Gujarat’s dangerous batting lineup from finding momentum. Early wickets of key batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put GT on the back foot, forcing them into a rebuilding phase.
Washington Sundar emerged as Gujarat’s standout performer, playing a composed unbeaten innings of 50 runs from 37 deliveries. Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs, while Rashid Khan added some late fireworks with a crucial six in the final over. However, RCB’s disciplined bowling attack never allowed Gujarat to accelerate consistently. Rasikh Dar Salam starred with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each to restrict GT to 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Chasing 156 in a high-pressure final, RCB received the perfect start through Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. Iyer launched an aggressive attack during the powerplay, smashing 32 runs from just 16 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. The opening partnership added 62 runs and laid the foundation for the chase.
Once Iyer departed, Kohli took complete control of the innings. The veteran batter produced one of the finest knocks of his IPL career, bringing up his fifty in just 25 balls — the fastest half-century of his IPL journey and one of the quickest ever in an IPL final. Kohli mixed elegant strokeplay with calculated aggression, punishing loose deliveries while rotating the strike efficiently.
Gujarat Titans attempted a comeback through Rashid Khan, who struck twice in a single over to dismiss Devdutt Padikkal and Krunal Pandya. At 132/5, GT briefly sensed an opportunity. However, Tim David and Jitesh Sharma provided valuable support, ensuring there were no further setbacks.
Despite suffering a minor hamstring concern during the chase, Kohli remained composed and continued to anchor the innings. He finished unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and three sixes. His match-winning performance guided RCB to 161/5 in 18 overs, sealing a memorable victory.
The triumph places Royal Challengers Bengaluru alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as franchises to have successfully defended an IPL title. It also marks RCB’s second IPL championship overall after ending their long title drought in 2025.
Virat Kohli was deservedly named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 75 and leadership under pressure. The victory further cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in IPL history, while RCB’s successful title defence established them as the dominant force of the current era.
Match Summary
Gujarat Titans – 155/8 (20 overs)
Washington Sundar 50* (37), Nishant Sindhu 20 (18)
Rasikh Dar Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 161/5 (18 overs)
Virat Kohli 75* (42), Venkatesh Iyer 32 (16)
RCB won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli (75* off 42 balls)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win IPL 2026.
