Royal Challengers Bengaluru Create History with Back-to-Back IPL Titles
History was made in Ahmedabad.
After waiting 18 years for their first Indian Premier League trophy, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have now become one of the few teams to successfully defend their crown.
A dominant all-round performance saw RCB defeat Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 Final, securing their second straight championship and cementing their place among the league’s modern powerhouses.
While Gujarat Titans entered the final hoping to lift their second IPL trophy in just five seasons, they were outplayed by an RCB side that delivered when it mattered most.
RCB Pace Attack Sets the Tone Early
Winning the toss proved crucial.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first on a surface offering movement and grip.
The decision paid immediate dividends.
Josh Hazlewood, a player renowned for thriving in major finals, struck early by removing Gujarat skipper Shubman Gill.
That breakthrough immediately shifted momentum.
RCB’s seamers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings, refusing to allow Gujarat’s explosive batting lineup to settle.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam Deliver Under Pressure
The middle overs belonged to RCB’s disciplined bowling unit.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar continued his remarkable season with two key wickets, briefly reclaiming the Purple Cap race.
Meanwhile, Rasikh Salam produced one of the finest spells of his IPL career.
His three wickets pushed his season tally to 19 and ensured Gujarat never built meaningful momentum.
Every time the Titans looked ready to accelerate, another wicket fell.
Krunal Pandya Continues His Finals Legacy
Big matches seem to bring out the best in Krunal Pandya.
The experienced all-rounder once again delivered on the biggest stage.
His economical spell of 1 for 23 from four overs included the prized wicket of Jos Buttler, who struggled to break free against RCB’s disciplined bowling plans.
The performance added another chapter to Krunal’s extraordinary IPL finals record.
Remarkably, he has now won all five IPL finals he has played and successfully defended titles with two different franchises.
Gujarat Titans Restricted to 155
Despite a determined half-century from Washington Sundar, Gujarat never truly recovered from their poor start.
RCB’s bowlers combined accuracy, variation, and pressure brilliantly.
The Titans eventually finished on 155, a score that felt below par given the stakes of the occasion.
On a surface offering assistance to bowlers, there was still hope for Gujarat’s attack.
But standing in their way was a determined Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli Produces a Championship-Winning Masterclass
Finals are built for great players.
And once again, Virat Kohli delivered when his team needed him most.
From the outset, Kohli looked aggressive and focused.
He attacked Gujarat’s pace bowlers with intent, particularly targeting Kagiso Rabada during a crucial phase of the chase.
The result was one of the most important innings of his IPL career.
Kohli registered:
- His fastest IPL fifty
- His highest score in IPL playoff history
- A match-winning knock in a championship final
It was the perfect performance on cricket’s biggest franchise stage.
Venkatesh Iyer Provides the Perfect Start
Before Kohli took control, Venkatesh Iyer ensured RCB started aggressively.
Despite suffering discomfort after an early injury, Iyer counterattacked brilliantly.
His quick-fire 32 from 16 balls immediately put Gujarat’s bowlers under pressure and ensured RCB stayed ahead of the required rate.
By the time he departed, the foundation for victory had been established.
RCB Hold Their Nerve to Lift the Trophy
Gujarat attempted a comeback through Rashid Khan, who claimed two wickets and briefly raised hopes of a late twist.
However, the asking rate remained comfortably under control.
Even when wickets fell, Kohli stayed calm.
The superstar batter finished the chase in emphatic fashion, striking a boundary and a six to seal victory with two overs remaining.
As celebrations erupted around the stadium, RCB completed one of the most remarkable journeys in IPL history.
A New Era of Dominance for RCB
For years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were known for near misses and heartbreak.
Now, they are champions.
Twice.
Back-to-back IPL titles have transformed the franchise’s identity and placed them among the competition’s elite teams.
Led by Virat Kohli’s brilliance and supported by a world-class bowling attack, RCB have established themselves as the team to beat in the IPL.
And judging by their performances this season, their dominance may only be beginning.
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