Cricket legend Virat Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the game’s greatest performers, guiding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a historic second consecutive Indian Premier League title with an unbeaten masterclass in the IPL 2026 final.
In front of a packed crowd at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Kohli produced a composed and commanding innings of 75 not out from just 42 deliveries as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets to successfully defend the championship they captured for the first time in 2025.
The victory marks a remarkable chapter in RCB’s history. After waiting 18 years to lift their maiden IPL trophy, the Bengaluru franchise has now established itself as the league’s dominant force by winning consecutive championships.
Chasing a modest target of 156, RCB never appeared under serious pressure as Kohli anchored the innings with the calmness and authority that have defined his illustrious career. Mixing elegant stroke play with calculated aggression, he struck nine boundaries and three towering sixes before sealing the championship in spectacular fashion with a match-winning six that sent thousands of RCB supporters into celebration.
As the winning shot sailed over the boundary, Kohli raised his bat and acknowledged the crowd while teammates rushed onto the field to celebrate another memorable triumph.
Speaking after the match, Kohli credited the team’s consistency and belief throughout the tournament, describing Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the best side in the competition.
He noted that the squad entered the final with confidence built on months of strong performances and said the team’s maturity and composure had once again shone through on the biggest stage. Kohli added that the pressure felt noticeably different from the previous year’s title run because the players knew exactly what they were capable of achieving.
While Kohli finished the job with the bat, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory with a disciplined performance that restricted Gujarat Titans to 155 for eight from their allotted 20 overs.
Young pacer Rasikh Salam Dar delivered one of the finest spells of his career, claiming three wickets for 27 runs and consistently troubling the Gujarat batting lineup. He received strong support from veteran international bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who both collected two wickets to keep the scoring rate under control.
For Gujarat Titans, only Washington Sundar offered significant resistance, finishing unbeaten on 50 from 37 balls. England star Jos Buttler was unable to make a major impact and was dismissed for 19, leaving Gujarat struggling to build momentum during crucial stages of the innings.
The final showcased the complete balance that RCB has developed over the past two seasons. Their batting possessed both firepower and stability, while their bowling attack combined youth and experience to dominate opposition teams throughout the tournament.
Kohli’s match-winning knock further strengthens his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest performers. Even at 37 years of age, the former Indian captain continues to deliver on the biggest occasions, inspiring teammates and captivating cricket fans around the world.
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters, the victory represents a remarkable transformation. Once known for heartbreak and near misses, the franchise has now become the benchmark of excellence in the IPL, winning consecutive championships and establishing what could become the beginning of a new dynasty.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky and celebrations continued long into the night, one image captured the moment perfectly — Virat Kohli standing at the centre of it all once again, bat raised high, having delivered yet another championship-winning performance for the team he has represented throughout his IPL journey.