Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted history at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, clinching the TATA IPL 2026 title with a commanding five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT).
In a high-voltage final, Virat Kohli’s masterclass with the bat ensured RCB chased down GT’s 155/8 in just 18 overs, sealing back-to-back IPL glory.
The Titans, batting first, struggled to build momentum against RCB’s disciplined bowling attack. Despite flashes of resistance, they were restricted to 155 runs, with Kagiso Rabada’s wicket of Devdutt Padikkal earning him the Purple Cap. Rashid Khan’s double strike in the middle overs briefly tilted the balance, dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya, but GT’s total remained below par.
RCB’s chase began with fireworks as Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the powerplay. Kohli, in vintage form, raced to his fifty with a mix of elegance and aggression, peppering the field with fours and sixes. Even as Tim David fell to Mohd Arshad Khan, the Bengaluru camp remained unfazed.
The climax was fittingly dramatic. With the crowd on edge, Kohli lofted a towering six over long-on to seal the win, sparking jubilant celebrations. His unbeaten knock not only anchored the chase but also reaffirmed his stature as the heartbeat of RCB.
This victory marks RCB’s second consecutive IPL crown, underscoring their dominance in the league and silencing years of critics who once labeled them perennial underachievers. For Gujarat Titans, the defeat was a bitter pill, but their spirited campaign showcased resilience and talent.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky, RCB’s triumph stood as a testament to teamwork, leadership, and Kohli’s indomitable spirit—a night etched forever in IPL folklore.
