Virat Kohli produced his fastest IPL fifty and highest-ever playoff score as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to win the IPL 2026 title, becoming only the third team in tournament history to successfully defend the championship.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES NEWS
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) capped another remarkable season on Sunday, beating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad.
Chasing 156, RCB reached the target with two overs to spare, thanks to an unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli, who delivered one of the finest innings of his playoff career when it mattered most.
Kohli rises on the biggest stage
The RCB star smashed his fastest-ever IPL half-century and remained unbeaten to guide his team home after a few middle-order setbacks.
Kohli’s knock reinforced his status as one of the tournament’s greatest performers and helped RCB secure back-to-back IPL crowns after waiting 18 years for their maiden title.
His aggressive approach stunned Gujarat’s bowlers, particularly South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, against whom Kohli unleashed a flurry of boundaries and a towering six.
Bowlers lay the foundation
Earlier, RCB’s pace attack restricted Gujarat Titans to 155 for 8 on a pitch that offered assistance to seamers.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood struck early by dismissing captain Shubman Gill, while veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed B Sai Sudharsan and later added another wicket.
Young pacer Rasikh Salam emerged as a key figure, claiming three wickets and finishing an impressive season with 19 scalps.
Krunal Pandya also played a crucial role, conceding just 23 runs in four overs while removing England star Jos Buttler.
Gujarat struggle after strong season
Gujarat entered the final with one of the most productive batting line-ups in the competition.
However, their star opening pair of Gill and Sudharsan failed to deliver under pressure, leaving the team struggling early in the innings.
Washington Sundar fought back with an unbeaten half-century, scoring 50 runs from 37 balls, but lacked support from the other end as wickets continued to fall.
RCB’s disciplined bowling prevented Gujarat from building momentum during the crucial middle and death overs.
Venkatesh gives RCB flying start
The chase began aggressively, with Venkatesh Iyer smashing 32 runs from just 16 deliveries.
Despite suffering a knee injury early in the innings, he attacked Gujarat’s bowlers and ensured RCB remained ahead of the required rate.
Although Gujarat briefly fought back through Rashid Khan’s two wickets, Kohli kept control of the chase and finished the match in style with a boundary and a six.
Pakistan angle: Fans celebrate Kohli’s latest masterclass
The IPL final attracted huge attention among cricket fans in Pakistan, where Virat Kohli remains one of the most followed international cricketers despite the absence of Pakistani players from the league.
Social media platforms in Pakistan were flooded with reactions praising Kohli’s match-winning innings and RCB’s successful title defense. Many fans also highlighted the performances of veteran bowlers Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose experience proved decisive in the final.
RCB now the team to beat
Former India batter Ambati Rayudu summed up the mood after the final, declaring that “this is RCB’s era.”
The victory strengthens Bengaluru’s claim as the dominant force in the IPL and places them among the tournament’s modern dynasties.
For Kohli, the triumph adds another memorable chapter to a glittering IPL career. After years of near misses and heartbreak, the former RCB captain is now leading one of the league’s most successful eras.
Match Summary
Gujarat Titans 155/8 (20 overs)
- Washington Sundar 50* (37)
- Josh Hazlewood 2/37
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29
- Rasikh Salam 3/27
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 (18 overs)
- Virat Kohli 75* (fastest IPL fifty, highest playoff score)
- Venkatesh Iyer 32 (16)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match Contender: Virat Kohli
IPL 2026 Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
