Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully retained their Indian Premier League crown after defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday, May 31.
On a night that demanded composure and big-match temperament, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion, producing an unbeaten masterclass to steer RCB to their second IPL title in as many seasons. Chasing a modest target of 156, the Bengaluru-based franchise reached 161/5 in just 18 overs, sealing a memorable victory with 12 balls to spare.
After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans endured a difficult start against a disciplined RCB bowling attack. Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill fell inside the powerplay, leaving GT searching for stability in the summit clash.
Nishant Sindhu showed positive intent with a brisk 20 off 18 deliveries, but RCB continued to chip away with regular wickets. Jos Buttler struggled to accelerate and was eventually stumped off Krunal Pandya after scoring 19 from 23 balls.
With Gujarat reeling, Washington Sundar stood tall amid the collapse. The left-hander anchored the innings beautifully and remained unbeaten on 50 off 37 deliveries, striking five boundaries. Useful cameos from Arshad Khan (15 off 6), Rahul Tewatia (7 off 5), Jason Holder (7 off 5), and Rashid Khan (7 off 3) helped GT reach a competitive 155/8 in their 20 overs.
RCB’s bowlers delivered collectively in the high-pressure encounter. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout performer with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also played his part with an economical spell, conceding just 23 runs and dismissing Buttler.
Chasing 156 for victory, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to Venkatesh Iyer. The aggressive left-hander took the attack to the Gujarat bowlers, smashing 32 off just 16 balls and ensuring the defending champions dominated the powerplay.
Although Mohammed Siraj removed Iyer and Kagiso Rabada dismissed Devdutt Padikkal cheaply, Virat Kohli remained unfazed. The veteran batter combined caution with aggression perfectly, keeping the scoreboard moving while neutralising Gujarat’s bowling threats.
GT found some hope when Rashid Khan struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya. However, Kohli continued to dictate terms and found a reliable partner in Tim David. The Australian all-rounder chipped in with a valuable 24 off 17 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from the Titans.
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Kohli brought up a magnificent unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, laced with nine fours and three sixes, showcasing exactly why he remains one of the greatest performers in IPL history. Jitesh Sharma stayed unbeaten alongside him as RCB comfortably crossed the finish line in the 18th over.
Take a look at how social media reacted to RCB winning IPL for the second-time:
Virat Kohli chooses biggest stage to showcase what he is.
Fastest Half century of his career in the final. Brilliance written all over it.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 31, 2026
Congratulations to @RCBTweets on winning consecutive @IPL titles. One of the challenges in sport is that success changes the questions you have to answer. After winning once, the task is no longer proving you can do it, but proving you can sustain it. RCB met that challenge…
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 31, 2026
Back-to-back IPL titles is a remarkable achievement 🏆 @rrjjt_01 should be proud to join the elite company of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma as captains with consecutive titles. @imVkohli being in his own-self, @BhuviOfficial leading the bowling attack brilliantly and the entire squad…
— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 31, 2026
Played like champions. Congratulations, @RCBTweets 🏆👏 pic.twitter.com/HsD4BGzkG3
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) May 31, 2026
Congratulations @RCBTweets 👏 pic.twitter.com/dTHJMHoC3Z
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 31, 2026
Wow. Called it before the IPL… back to back champions !!!
Congratulations to @imVkohli, @rrjjt_01, Mo Bobat, Andy Flower and the entire @RCBTweets team.
From day one, this looked like the most complete team in the competition. Consistent, clinical and deserving champions.…
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) May 31, 2026
RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) May 31, 2026
Rory doubles up at The Masters
PSG doubles up Champs League
RCB doubles up IPL
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 31, 2026
Records are special, but the way Vaibhav has carried himself all season has impressed me even more 👏
A well-deserved Orange Cap. Many more to come 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6OSJAFF4ps— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) May 31, 2026
