Royal Challengers Bengaluru created IPL history by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, successfully defending their championship and becoming only the third franchise in tournament history to win consecutive IPL titles. The victory placed RCB alongside Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as teams that have achieved back-to-back IPL crowns.
The star of the night was once again Virat Kohli, who produced a match-winning unbeaten knock of 75 runs from just 42 deliveries. The veteran batter anchored the chase with remarkable composure and aggression, guiding Bengaluru to the target of 156 with two overs remaining. Kohli’s innings included nine boundaries and three sixes and earned him the Player of the Match award in the final.
Earlier in the evening, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that proved crucial. Bengaluru’s bowling attack kept Gujarat Titans under pressure throughout the innings, restricting them to 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs. Gujarat’s top order, which had dominated much of the tournament, failed to make a significant impact in the title clash. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan were both dismissed inside the powerplay, putting the Titans on the back foot early.
The responsibility then fell on Washington Sundar, who fought back with an unbeaten half-century. His 50 runs off 37 balls helped Gujarat recover from a difficult position and post a competitive total. However, regular wickets prevented the Titans from building momentum during the middle and death overs. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as RCB’s standout bowler with figures of 3/27, while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two wickets each.
RCB began the chase confidently through an attacking opening partnership between Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. The pair added 62 runs, giving Bengaluru the ideal platform in a high-pressure final. Iyer contributed a quick 32 off 16 balls before Gujarat attempted a comeback by taking wickets in the middle overs. Despite a brief wobble that saw RCB reduced to 132/5, Kohli remained calm and ensured there would be no dramatic collapse.
The former India captain also registered one of the fastest half-centuries ever recorded in an IPL final. His aggressive approach allowed Bengaluru to maintain control of the chase despite Gujarat’s efforts to drag the match deeper into the innings. Kohli eventually sealed the victory in style, finishing unbeaten as RCB reached 161/5 in 18 overs.
The triumph marked another milestone in RCB’s growing success story. After finally ending their long wait for a maiden IPL title in 2025, Bengaluru have now established themselves as one of the dominant forces in the league with consecutive championships. The victory also strengthened Virat Kohli’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in IPL history.
For Gujarat Titans, the defeat ended an impressive campaign that had seen them reach another IPL final under the leadership of Shubman Gill. Despite strong performances throughout the season and a powerful batting lineup, the Titans were unable to handle RCB’s disciplined bowling attack and Kohli’s masterclass under pressure.
With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only retained the IPL trophy but also joined an elite list of franchises that have successfully defended their title. The 2026 final will be remembered as the night Virat Kohli once again delivered on the biggest stage and led RCB to a historic chapter in the franchise’s journey.
