RCB Clinches Back-to-Back IPL Titles with Kohli's Stellar Performance

In a thrilling IPL final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged victorious against Gujarat Titans, securing their second consecutive title. Virat Kohli's explosive half-century, scoring 75 runs off 42 balls, played a pivotal role in the chase. RCB's disciplined bowling and strategic gameplay ensured they maintained control throughout the match. This victory not only highlights Kohli's clutch performance but also cements RCB's status among the league's elite franchises. With this win, RCB joins the ranks of Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings as back-to-back champions, showcasing their dominance in the IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 15:00 IST

RCB Triumphs in IPL Final

Photo: @FailedCrickt/X

Ahmedabad, May 31: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second consecutive IPL title, thanks to Virat Kohli's record-setting half-century. In a thrilling match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB chased down a target of 156, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets.

Kohli achieved a remarkable fifty in just 25 balls, finishing the match unbeaten with 75 runs off 42 deliveries. His performance continued RCB's impressive record; they have not lost a match since 2025 when Kohli scores a fifty. Alongside him, Venkatesh Iyer contributed a quick 32 runs, ensuring RCB maintained control throughout the chase and clinched the title decisively.

Both teams entered the final aiming for their second IPL championship, hoping to join the ranks of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders as multiple title holders.

Having won their first title in Ahmedabad in 2025, RCB has now become the third team to successfully defend their championship, following MI and CSK, and extending the trend of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine consecutive seasons.

Gujarat Titans, who were crowned champions in 2022 at the same venue, faced challenges due to RCB's disciplined bowling and the fatigue of playing their third match in six days, arriving in Ahmedabad only the night before due to adverse weather conditions.

Washington Sundar's resilient fifty helped GT reach a total of 155/8, but RCB's Rasikh Salam Dar took three wickets, while Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar made early breakthroughs. Kohli's outstanding innings ultimately made the final a one-sided contest, reinforcing his status as a clutch performer.

This victory not only solidifies RCB's title defense but also elevates them among the league's elite franchises, joining MI and CSK as back-to-back IPL champions.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2-25) by five wickets.