RCB Aims for Third IPL Title After Back-to-Back Victories

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has successfully clinched the IPL 2026 title, with captain Rajat Patidar expressing the team's ambition for a third consecutive championship. After a thrilling final against Gujarat Titans, where Virat Kohli's stellar performance led the team to victory, RCB aims to maintain their winning momentum. Patidar reflects on the reduced pressure this season compared to last year, attributing their success to a dominant performance throughout the tournament. Discover how RCB plans to build on this success and the strategies they will employ to achieve their goal of a third title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 08:45 IST

RCB Celebrates IPL 2026 Triumph

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] - June 1: Following their remarkable achievement of winning consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) titles, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar emphasized the team's commitment to sustaining their success and pursuing a third straight championship.

In the IPL 2026 final held in Ahmedabad, RCB triumphed over Gujarat Titans (GT) with a remarkable performance from Virat Kohli, who scored an impressive 75* off 42 balls, leading his team to victory.

RCB successfully chased down a challenging target of 156 runs, joining the ranks of five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as the only teams to have secured back-to-back IPL titles.

“While we will certainly celebrate our IPL 2026 victory, our primary focus is on achieving three consecutive titles,” Patidar stated during the post-match press conference.

Patidar noted that the pressure felt by RCB in 2026 was significantly less compared to the previous year, attributing this to their dominant performances throughout the tournament. He described his leadership style as calm and composed, indicating that although he may not be overtly expressive, he remains acutely aware of the game's dynamics.

“Honestly, compared to last year, there was much more pressure in 2025. This year felt more relaxed due to our strong performance throughout the tournament. We were confident that if we continued to play like this, we would secure the second title for RCB. My captaincy approach is unique; I may not show much emotion, but I am fully aware of the game situation,” Patidar elaborated.

In the final match, Gujarat Titans batted first and managed to score only 155 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 50* off 37 balls, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs off 18 balls. RCB's bowlers, including Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29), and Josh Hazlewood (2/37), consistently took wickets.

RCB began their innings strongly with a partnership of 62 runs between Venkatesh Iyer (32 off 16 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. Although GT fought back and reduced RCB to 132/5 at one stage, Kohli's unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes, ensured RCB's victory with two overs to spare.