Royal Challengers Bengaluru Defeat Gujarat Titans to Retain IPL Title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their Indian Premier League (IPL) crown with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

 

The triumph secured RCB's second consecutive IPL championship and established the franchise among the league's most successful teams. The victory was built on a disciplined bowling performance followed by a composed run chase led by Virat Kohli.

 

After winning the toss, Gujarat Titans opted to bat first but struggled to build momentum against a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Early breakthroughs placed pressure on the Titans' top order, with key batters failing to convert their starts into substantial innings.

 

Washington Sundar emerged as Gujarat's standout performer, anchoring the innings with a fighting half-century. Despite his efforts, regular wickets prevented the Titans from accelerating during the crucial middle and death overs. Gujarat concluded their innings on 155 for 8 in 20 overs, a total considered competitive but below par on a batting-friendly surface.

 

RCB's chase began steadily before Virat Kohli took control of the innings. Displaying his trademark composure and shot selection, Kohli compiled an unbeaten 75 runs, guiding Bengaluru through the chase with authority. His innings combined calculated aggression with intelligent strike rotation, ensuring that the required run rate remained under control throughout the pursuit.

 

Although Gujarat managed to claim wickets at regular intervals, RCB's batting depth provided stability. Contributions from the middle order ensured the chase never drifted out of control, and Bengaluru eventually reached 161 for 5 in 18 overs, sealing victory with two overs to spare.

 

The final highlighted the consistency that defined RCB's campaign. Throughout the season, the team combined experienced leadership, disciplined bowling and dependable batting performances to emerge as one of the tournament's strongest sides. Captain Rajat Patidar's leadership and the continued influence of senior players such as Virat Kohli played a significant role in the franchise's successful title defence.

 

For Gujarat Titans, the defeat marked the end of another impressive campaign. Led by Shubman Gill, the franchise once again demonstrated its competitiveness by reaching the final and challenging for the championship. However, they were unable to overcome a well-balanced RCB side in the tournament's decisive match.

 

The victory further strengthened Royal Challengers Bengaluru's position as a dominant force in the IPL, while Gujarat Titans once again proved their credentials as one of the league's most consistent and competitive teams. The final showcased high-quality cricket and provided a fitting conclusion to another memorable IPL season.