Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their Indian Premier League title by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final on Sunday. The victory made RCB only the fourth franchise in tournament history to win multiple IPL titles and the third team to claim back-to-back championships.

Led by captain Rajat Patidar, RCB produced a disciplined bowling performance before chasing down a target of 156 with two overs to spare. Star batter Virat Kohli played a match-winning knock and registered the fastest fifty of his IPL career to guide his team to another historic triumph.

RCB bowlers restrict Gujarat Titans

After winning the toss, Patidar elected to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Gujarat Titans lost both their key openers inside the Powerplay.

Orange Cap contenders Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan failed to make an impact in the title clash. Veteran batter Jos Buttler attempted to stabilise the innings but was dismissed for 19 by Krunal Pandya.

The standout performer for Gujarat Titans was Washington Sundar, who displayed composure under pressure and anchored the innings when wickets continued to fall around him.

Rasikh Salam shines in final

RCB’s bowling attack maintained control throughout the innings, preventing Gujarat Titans from building significant partnerships.

Josh Hazlewood struck early, dismissing Gill for just 10 runs, while Rasikh Salam emerged as the standout bowler with three wickets.

Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood picked up two wickets each, helping restrict Gujarat Titans to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Although Washington Sundar fought hard to push the score beyond 150, the total appeared below par on a batting-friendly surface.

Kohli and Iyer provide flying start

RCB’s chase began in emphatic fashion as Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer added 62 runs for the opening wicket within the first five overs.

The pair attacked from the outset, taking particular advantage of pacer Kagiso Rabada and quickly reducing the required run rate.

Despite Iyer battling discomfort after being struck on the knee by a delivery from Mohammed Siraj, the aggressive start placed RCB firmly in control.

Rashid sparks brief comeback

Gujarat Titans briefly revived their hopes through spinner Rashid Khan, who struck twice in a crucial over.

The dismissals of Patidar and Krunal Pandya created some tension in the RCB camp, while Rabada also removed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply.

However, Kohli remained composed and continued to find boundaries regularly, ensuring the chase never drifted out of RCB’s control.

Kohli seals historic victory

The former RCB captain reached his fastest IPL half-century in just 25 deliveries, underlining his dominance on the biggest stage.

A crucial moment arrived when Kohli survived a catch after television replays showed the ball had touched the ground before Gill completed the grab. The reprieve proved decisive as Kohli continued to guide the innings towards the target.

Fittingly, the veteran batter sealed the championship in style, launching a towering six over long-on off Arshad Khan to complete the chase and spark celebrations among RCB players and supporters.

RCB join elite company

With the triumph, Royal Challengers Bengaluru joined an exclusive list of franchises with multiple IPL titles, alongside Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

The successful title defence further cements RCB’s status as one of the dominant teams in recent IPL history, with Virat Kohli once again playing a central role in the franchise’s latest achievement.