King Kohli, Royal Glory! Virat Leads as RCB Reign Over IPL Again

Ahmedabad (Yugvarta) : Royal Challengers Bengaluru completed a historic title defence as they defeated Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 final, becoming only the third franchise in tournament history to win back-to-back championships. After ending an 18-year title drought in 2025, Rajat Patidar-led RCB returned to the summit with another commanding campaign, underlining their transformation into one of the league’s most consistent and balanced sides. In a season dominated by Bengaluru and Gujarat, the summit clash at Ahmedabad brought together the top two teams of the tournament, but it was RCB who once again proved superior when it mattered most. 

Entering the final as defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru aimed to join the elite company of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians by successfully defending an IPL title — a feat achieved previously by CSK in 2010 and 2011, and Mumbai Indians in 2019 and 2020. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, sought a second IPL trophy after their triumph in 2022 and entered the contest with confidence following another impressive season under captain Shubman Gill. 

Both teams had emerged as the standout performers of IPL 2026, finishing first and second respectively in the league standings. Bengaluru had already sent a strong message in Qualifier 1, dismantling Gujarat Titans by a massive margin to secure direct qualification for the final, while Gujarat regrouped effectively to book their place in the title clash with a dominant victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. 

At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to bowl first. Bengaluru’s disciplined bowling attack ensured Gujarat never found sustained momentum despite a few resistance efforts in the middle order. Gujarat Titans eventually posted 155/8 in their 20 overs, with Washington Sundar contributing an unbeaten half-century, while Bengaluru’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged among the key performers with the ball, while experienced campaigners Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered important breakthroughs. 

Chasing 156 for victory, Bengaluru approached the target with composure and confidence. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent knock of 75 runs off 42 deliveries, setting the tone for the chase as RCB steadily moved towards the finish line. Contributions from the middle order ensured there were no late stumbles, and Bengaluru crossed the target with five wickets in hand and two overs remaining to successfully defend their championship. 

For Gujarat Titans, the defeat ended another strong campaign, though reaching a third IPL final reaffirmed their place among the league’s most competitive modern franchises. Their bowling unit remained among the strongest in the season, with Kagiso Rabada eventually securing the Purple Cap after a consistent run of wicket-taking performances. 

With this triumph, Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only retained their crown but also cemented a new chapter in the franchise’s history. Once defined by near-misses and heartbreak, RCB have now evolved into champions capable of sustaining excellence, and their successful defence signals the beginning of a formidable legacy in the IPL. 

Orange Cap Winner – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and claimed the Orange Cap after a record-breaking campaign. The Rajasthan Royals batter amassed 776 runs in 16 innings, finishing ahead of several established stars. His remarkable consistency, explosive stroke play and extraordinary strike rate made him one of the biggest stories of the season.

Purple Cap Winner – Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
Gujarat Titans pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada secured the Purple Cap after finishing IPL 2026 as the leading wicket-taker. Rabada ended the season with 31 wickets, playing a crucial role in Gujarat’s march to the final with his consistent wicket-taking performances and ability to deliver breakthroughs in key moments.

Playing XI

Gujarat Titans (GT):
Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB):
Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar.

POSTED BY - EDITOR (ADITYA AMITABH TRIVEDII)