RCB Are IPL Champions Again: Kohli Masterclass Subdues Gill's GT To Defend Crown

The Narendra Modi Stadium has become a fortress of familiarity for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a 2026 IPL final that mirrored the tactical brilliance of their championship run last year, RCB successfully defended their title by chasing down the Gujarat Titans' 155, securing back-to-back crowns in an era defined by their dominance.

The transformation of RCB from perennial underachievers to a dominant force in the world's biggest cricket league is nothing short of a sporting miracle. And in their ultimate hour of crowning, the legend was right there, anchoring the chase. That's Virat Kohli, unbeaten, fittingly hitting the winning runs -- a six.

After languishing in an 18-year title drought -- a wait that tested the devotion of even their most loyal fans -- the franchise finally found its heartbeat under the stoic, tactical brilliance of captain Rajat Patidar and the methodical, high-performance culture instilled by coach Andy Flower.

Together, the duo gave a new meaning to the "Ee sala cup namdu" narrative, forging a side defined by unflappable composure and collective grit.

Also Read: RCB Vs GT IPL 2026 Final Highlights

Disciplined Bowling Sets The Tone

Asked to set a target, the Titans’ innings was a lesson in attrition. Stifled by a formidable RCB bowling unit, the Titans found the boundary rope an elusive ghost for 12.4 agonizing overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Krunal Pandya operated with the cold precision of master craftsmen, hitting hard lengths and utilising subtle variations to lock the Titans in a defensive cage.

With early strikes removing Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler, the GT middle order was forced into a survival crawl, unable to break free until the shackles finally snapped long after the powerplay.

It was Washington Sundar’s intervention which rescued the innings; he played a patient, measured knock, capitalising on a crucial lifeline early in his innings to anchor the recovery, eventually slamming his third half-century of the season to drag the team to a respectable total of 155.

The Chase Master At Work

Chasing 156, the defending champions’ response was explosive. Despite carrying an injury, Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with a blistering 16-ball 32, playing with aggressive intent that immediately put the Titans on the back foot.

However, the chase saw a mid-innings wobble as both Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal fell in quick succession. Rashid Khan, as dangerous as ever, cranked up the pressure by removing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya, momentarily stalling RCB's momentum.

Yet, Virat Kohli remained the calm anchor, expertly steering the ship as wickets tumbled around him. He maneuvered the gaps with trademark finesse, systematically dismantling the Titans' bowling to bring up a breathtaking half-century in just 25 balls -- the fastest of his illustrious IPL career, and kept the required rate firmly under control.

Partnered by the power-hitting prowess of Tim David, who provided the necessary impetus against the Titans’ spinners, Kohli ensured the target remained well within reach. Together, the pair absorbed the intense pressure and accelerated at the death, with Kohli’s steady hand guiding them over the line with calculated precision to seal the title.

Although just ahead of crossing the threshold, Kohli survived narrowly as the ball touched the ground while Shubman Gill dived to take the catch.

Now, by clinching back-to-back titles, RCB have truly established themselves as a sporting dynasty.

Brief Score:

Gujarat Titans - 155/8 (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - 161/5 (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32)

RCB Vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Toss

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the toss and have opted to field.

RCB Vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Playing XIs

Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar