RCB defends the title, wins IPL 2026 final beating GT by 5 wickets; Virat smashes 75*

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their names into the history books on Sunday, securing their second consecutive IPL title after a dominant performance against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final. Played in the high-pressure atmosphere of Ahmedabad, the match saw RCB successfully chase down a target of 156. The victory was anchored by a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who produced a stunning unbeaten 75 off just 42 deliveries. Kohli’s innings was particularly remarkable as he battled through an injury to record the fastest half-century of his illustrious IPL career, ensuring his side crossed the finish line with ease.

Earlier in the evening, RCB’s bowling unit set the stage for the triumph. After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends immediately. The pace attack, led by Rasikh Salam Dar, dismantled the GT top order early in the powerplay, sending back dangerous openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan. While Washington Sundar capitalized on a dropped catch to rebuild the innings with a gritty half-century, RCB’s disciplined bowling ensured the Titans were restricted to a modest 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The bowling performance was a collective effort, with Rasikh Salam Dar emerging as the pick of the bowlers with three crucial wickets. He was well-supported by veteran Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed two wickets apiece to keep the pressure on the GT middle order. The variety and control displayed by the RCB bowlers prevented Gujarat from ever gaining the momentum needed to post a truly challenging total on a surface that seemed to favor the chasing side under the lights.

In the second innings, Kohli’s presence loomed large over the chase. Despite losing partners at the other end, he remained the calm center of the RCB storm, picking gaps and punishing loose deliveries with surgical precision. As the winning runs were hit, the Ahmedabad stadium erupted in support of the Bengaluru franchise, celebrating a team that has truly found its championship rhythm. This second successive title cements RCB's status as the new powerhouse of the IPL, marking a golden era for the Bengaluru fans.