IPL 2026 Recap: RCB Triumphs While Other Teams Face Challenges
RCB's Emotional Victory and IPL 2026 Overview
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Virat Kohli, finally achieved their long-awaited success, while Shreyas Iyer's Punjab Kings stumbled at the final hurdle. The Mumbai Indians showcased their brilliance before faltering, and Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans struggled to seize crucial moments.
The 18th season of the IPL, spanning four months from late March to early June, reached a thrilling conclusion on Tuesday. This season marked a significant milestone for RCB, culminating in a victory that left Kohli visibly emotional.
In total, the IPL featured 74 matches over the course of 74 days, resulting in a memorable win for one team while leaving the other nine with much to improve upon for the next edition in 2026.
Kohli's Mixed Performance and RCB's Squad Strength
Despite a lackluster performance in the final, where he scored 43 runs off 35 balls, Kohli's leadership and experience were pivotal for RCB. The team struggled to convert promising starts into substantial scores.
However, RCB's strategic acquisitions during the mega auction paid off, allowing them to perform cohesively and secure a victory that will be remembered for years to come.
Kohli's record of 9,085 runs for a single franchise remains unmatched, and he has surpassed the 600-run mark five times, including this season with a total of 657 runs.
Punjab Kings' Remarkable Journey
Shreyas Iyer's impressive performance, with 604 runs and six fifties at an average of 50.33, highlighted his growth as both a player and a leader. His contributions were crucial in transforming the Punjab Kings into serious contenders.
Under the guidance of head coach Ricky Ponting, Punjab's youthful squad made a commendable run to the finals, establishing themselves as a team to watch in future IPL seasons.
Mumbai Indians' Rollercoaster Performance
The Mumbai Indians have had a tumultuous journey in recent seasons, finishing fifth in 2021, tenth in 2022, and fourth in 2023. Their inconsistent performances continued this year, starting with four losses in their first five matches.
However, they rebounded impressively, winning six consecutive games, with Suryakumar Yadav achieving a personal milestone of 717 runs.
Gujarat Titans' Disappointing Finish
The Titans, featuring standout players like Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill, dominated the league stage but faltered in the playoffs, finishing third and losing to the Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.
Emerging Talents and Team Struggles
Young players made significant impacts this season, with 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi setting a record for the fastest IPL century by an Indian. Other newcomers like Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh also showcased their potential.
Conversely, last year's runners-up, the Sunrisers Hyderabad, struggled despite a strong batting lineup, while the Chennai Super Kings faced challenges adapting to a changing roster.
Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants' Challenges
The Delhi Capitals started strong but faltered mid-season, losing their competitive edge. Meanwhile, the Lucknow Super Giants faced issues with batting depth and consistency, despite standout performances from Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran.