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 in Ahmedabad. Powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli, RCB chased down a target of 156 with two overs to spare and secured their second consecutive IPL title.
The final belonged to Kohli, who produced one of the finest innings of his IPL career. Battling through discomfort and pressure, the veteran opener remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 balls, smashing nine fours and three sixes. In the process, he also recorded the fastest fifty of his IPL career, reaching the milestone in only 25 deliveries. His calm presence ensured that RCB never lost control of the chase.
Earlier in the evening, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory. After captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum. Early dismissals of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put GT under pressure. While Washington Sundar fought back with a valuable unbeaten half-century, GT could only manage 155/8 in their 20 overs. Rasikh Salam Dar starred with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up two wickets each.
The victory marks another major milestone in Kohli’s legendary IPL journey. After helping RCB end their long title drought in 2025, he has now guided the franchise to back-to-back championships, cementing his status as one of the greatest players in IPL history. RCB also became one of the few teams to successfully defend an IPL title.
Celebrations erupted across Bengaluru as fans rejoiced in the team’s success. Authorities maintained strict security measures to ensure celebrations remained safe and orderly, remembering the tragic events that occurred during last year’s title celebrations. Meanwhile, Kohli and his teammates celebrated their achievement in Ahmedabad, bringing a memorable IPL 2026 season to a fitting conclusion.
For Gujarat Titans, it was a disappointing end to an impressive campaign. Despite reaching another final under Gill’s leadership, they finished as runners-up, while RCB once again stood tall as champions of the IPL.
