Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their remarkable rise in the Indian Premier League by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final, securing their second consecutive championship and further cementing their place among the tournament’s elite franchises. The final, played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, showcased a complete team performance from RCB as they chased down a target of 156 with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare.
After winning the toss, Gujarat Titans opted to bat first, hoping to capitalize on familiar conditions. However, RCB’s disciplined bowling attack prevented the Titans from building momentum throughout the innings. Early breakthroughs put Gujarat under pressure, and despite some resistance in the middle overs, the Titans managed only 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. RCB’s bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, ensuring that Gujarat’s powerful batting lineup never fully settled into rhythm.
Chasing 156 in a high pressure final, RCB displayed the confidence of a champion side. The Bengaluru franchise approached the target methodically, avoiding unnecessary risks while keeping the required run rate comfortably under control. The innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten 75 proved to be the defining performance of the match. Kohli’s knock combined composure, experience, and aggression in equal measure, allowing RCB to stay firmly ahead of the chase. His innings also included a rapid half century that set the tone for the successful pursuit.
As wickets fell around him, Kohli remained unfazed, guiding the innings deep into the contest before finishing the match in style. The winning moment sparked celebrations among RCB supporters, who witnessed their team successfully defend the IPL title for the first time in franchise history. The victory was especially significant given RCB’s long journey from perennial contenders to one of the league’s most consistent and successful teams in recent seasons.
For Gujarat Titans, the defeat marked the end of an impressive campaign. Led by Shubman Gill, the Titans had entered the final after a sensational run, including a record chase in Qualifier 2 that showcased their batting strength. Their appearance in yet another IPL final highlighted the franchise’s consistency since joining the league in 2022. However, on the biggest stage, they were outplayed by a well-rounded RCB unit that executed its plans with precision.
RCB’s triumph also reflected the depth of their squad and the effectiveness of their leadership group. Under captain Rajat Patidar and with experienced players such as Virat Kohli leading from the front, Bengaluru demonstrated why they finished among the strongest teams of the season. By lifting the IPL trophy once again, RCB joined the exclusive club of franchises to win back-to-back IPL titles, a feat that underlines their transformation into a modern cricket powerhouse.
