AHMEDABAD, India, June 1, 2026 — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday night, thanks to a composed and unbeaten innings from Virat Kohli.
Chasing a target of 156, Bengaluru made a flying start as Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer added 50 runs in just 3.3 overs. Iyer struck a quick 32 off 16 balls before falling to Mohammed Siraj, while Devdutt Padikkal departed soon after. Despite losing two wickets, RCB raced to 70 runs in the powerplay.
Gujarat fought back through Rashid Khan, who removed captain Rajat Patidar for 15 and Krunal Pandya for just one run, briefly putting Bengaluru under pressure. However, Kohli anchored the chase with a calm and calculated innings.
The veteran batter reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries and later shared a crucial partnership with Tim David, who contributed 24 runs. Kohli received a reprieve on 63 when what appeared to be a catch by Shubman Gill was overturned after replays showed the ball had touched the ground.
Making the most of the opportunity, Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls and sealed the victory in style with a six alongside Jitesh Sharma. Bengaluru reached 156 for 5 in 18 overs, completing the chase with 12 balls to spare.
Earlier, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as his bowlers kept Gujarat’s batting lineup under control.
Gujarat suffered early setbacks with Shubman Gill dismissed for 10 by Josh Hazlewood and Sai Sudharsan falling for 12 to Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Jos Buttler, Nishant Sindhu and Rahul Tewatia also failed to make significant contributions.
washington Sundar was the lone bright spot for Gujarat, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls after receiving an early lifeline. His resistance helped the Titans post 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.
For Bengaluru, Rasikh Dar impressed with three wickets, while Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar claimed two wickets each.
Kohli’s match-winning innings ultimately ensured that Bengaluru comfortably surpassed the target and successfully defended their IPL crown, sparking celebrations among players and supporters alike.
Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans: 155/8 (20 overs) – Washington Sundar 50* (37), Jos Buttler 19 (23); Rasikh Dar 3 wickets, Josh Hazlewood 2 wickets, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2 wickets.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 156/5 (18 overs) – Virat Kohli 75* (42), Venkatesh Iyer 32 (16), Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2 wickets.
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Virat Kohli.
