Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were crowned IPL 2026 champions after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final held in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. With this win, RCB successfully defended their title, becoming one of the rare franchises to win consecutive IPL trophies.
Chasing a target of 156, RCB reached 161/5 in 18 overs, led by a match-winning unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli off 42 balls. His innings included nine fours and three sixes, and he also brought up the fastest half-century of his IPL career.
“It was a clinical performance from us as a unit,” RCB captain Rajat Patidar said after the match.
Strong bowling restricts Gujarat Titans to 155/8
Earlier in the match, RCB’s bowling attack delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each, while Rasikh Salam Dar impressed with a three-wicket haul. Gujarat struggled to build partnerships after losing both openers early in the powerplay.
“Losing early wickets put us under pressure,” a Gujarat Titans player said after the match.
Washington Sundar top-scored for GT with an unbeaten 50, but lacked support from the other end.
Kohli anchors chase with fastest IPL fifty
RCB’s chase was set up by an aggressive start, including a 62-run opening stand between Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32.
Kohli played a calm yet dominant knock, controlling the innings after early wickets. He reached his half-century in just 25 balls, his fastest in IPL history.
RCB lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, but Kohli ensured there was no collapse, staying till the end to guide the team home.
Turning point: RCB’s powerplay dominance
RCB took control early in both innings. Their bowlers dismissed key Gujarat batters Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan inside the powerplay, setting the tone for the match.
Later, in the chase, RCB’s aggressive intent in the first six overs ensured Gujarat never built pressure.
Historic back-to-back IPL titles for RCB
With this victory, RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history—after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians—to win consecutive titles.
After years of near misses, RCB have now established a dominant era with two championships in as many seasons.
“This is just the beginning for us,” a team official said after the win.
RCB celebrate new era of dominance
From finishing top of the table in the league stage to dominating the playoffs, RCB’s campaign was marked by consistent performances in both batting and bowling departments.
With Virat Kohli anchoring the batting and a strong pace attack led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, RCB ended the season as undisputed champions once again.
