Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name into IPL history by resolutely defending their title and emerging as only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to retain the coveted trophy in consecutive seasons. RCB comprehensively defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets with 12 balls to spare in the grand final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, held on Sunday, May 31, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Throughout a high-scoring tournament where even totals above 200 often seemed far from safe, RCB’s clinical pace-bowling attack brilliantly restricted GT to 155/8 in the final. Once again, the “Chase Master” Virat Kohli orchestrated the chase with a magnificent unbeaten 75, guiding his team to a composed and clinical finish as they sealed the successful chase with remarkable ease. With this emphatic victory, RCB became only the third IPL franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully retain the IPL title, further cementing their legacy in the tournament’s rich history.
The final began with RCB winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The decision proved to be a masterstroke as the RCB bowling attack executed their plans brilliantly, relentlessly targeting the GT top order with hard lengths and sharp short-pitched deliveries. In the very first over, Sai Sudharsan had an early scare after the umpire adjudged him caught behind, but the decision was overturned following a successful DRS review. However, GT captain Shubman Gill, after scoring 10, fell to Josh Hazlewood while attempting to take on a short ball. He lobbed the ball into the air, and RCB captain Rajat Patidar covered plenty of ground from mid-off to complete a brilliant catch. Soon after, Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Sai Sudharsan for 12. Both GT openers departed without creating any momentum, leaving Gujarat struggling at 45/2 after the powerplay. Nitish Sidhu, promoted to number three, attempted a brief counterattack before falling to Rasikh Salam Dar for 20. Josh Buttler was then dismissed by Krunal Pandya after scoring 23 off 19 balls. With wickets falling at regular intervals, GT found themselves unable to build any substantial partnerships that could revive their innings. Arshad Khan tried to launch a counterattack, but Hazlewood trapped him with another well-directed short ball to claim yet another wicket. Washington Sundar stood tall amidst the collapse, producing a composed unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Rasikh Salam Dar—the trio collectively shared seven crucial wickets, Bhuvneshwar finished with impressive figures of 2/29 from four overs and completed a remarkable milestone. The RCB seamer claimed his 17th powerplay wicket of the season when he dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the fourth over of the IPL 2026 final. With that breakthrough, Bhuvneshwar drew level with Mohammed Shami for the most wickets taken by an Indian bowler in overs 1–6 during a single IPL season. Shami had set the benchmark while playing for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 with 17 powerplay wickets. Three years later, Bhuvneshwar matched the feat on the biggest stage of all. Meanwhile, Rasikh Salam Dar ended with outstanding figures of 3/27 from his four overs, while Hazlewood contributed with 2/37. After a dramatic top-order collapse, GT eventually finished on 155/8 from their 20 overs.
Chasing a modest target of 156 in the IPL final, RCB’s opening duo of Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer got off to an explosive start, immediately setting the tone and dismantling the GT bowling attack. The pair raced to the team fifty in just 3.3 overs, registering the fastest team fifty ever in an IPL final, asserting complete dominance from the outset. RCB reached the 50-run mark in just 3.3 overs, eclipsing the previous record of four overs set by Chennai Super Kings in the 2023 IPL final at the same venue. Venkatesh Iyer launched a stunning assault, smashing 32 off just 16 balls before Mohammed Siraj provided GT with the breakthrough. Soon after, Kagiso Rabada dismissed Devdutt Padikkal for just one run, and with that wicket, Rabada secured the Purple Cap for the season. After the explosive start, GT briefly fought their way back into the contest by taking wickets at crucial intervals. Rashid Khan struck immediately after the powerplay, dismissing both captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya within four deliveries of the same over. Tim David also departed after scoring 24, giving GT renewed hope. However, Virat Kohli seized complete control of the chase, producing yet another commanding masterclass under pressure. Remaining composed while maintaining a fearless and aggressive approach, Kohli played one of the finest innings of the season and brought up the fastest half-century of his IPL career in a summit clash. The RCB superstar reached the milestone in just 25 balls, surpassing his previous-best 26-ball fifties against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals in 2018. Remarkably, this record-breaking knock came in his 19th IPL season and on the grandest stage of them all. Displaying a perfect blend of aggression, composure, and experience, Kohli remained unbeaten on a sensational 75 off 42 balls. Once again, he rose to the occasion on the biggest stage and proved exactly why he is known as the “Chase Master.” For his match-winning performance, he was deservedly named Player of the Match. Jitesh Sharma provided valuable support at the other end, Kohli finished the chase in style with a six, as RCB reached 161/5 with two overs to spare.
RCB became the third franchise to defend title after CSK and MI
RCB had ended their 17-year wait for an IPL trophy at this very venue in the previous season, and with this resounding triumph, they secured their second IPL title while successfully defending the crown in emphatic fashion. Rajat Patidar also became only the third captain in IPL history to win back-to-back IPL titles after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, further cementing his status among the league’s elite leaders with a remarkable achievement. Gujarat Titans, despite an impressive campaign throughout the season, finished as deserving runners-up after falling short in the final, while RCB celebrated yet another historic chapter in their glorious IPL journey.
With this win, RCB joined the elite list along with 5 times champions – CSK and MI to successfully defend IPL crown. CSK under MS Dhoni clinched consecutive IPL trophies in 2010, 2011 (defeating RCB in final). MI under Rohit Sharma did the same, winning consecutive IPL trophies in 2019, 2020 seasons. Now, RCB under Rajat Patidar, who made his captaincy debut in 2025, conquered consecutive IPL titles in 2025, 2026. RCB also became the 4th franchise to win multiple titles in IPL along with CSK (5 titles), MI (5 titles) and KKR (3 titles). They’ll be on verge of a historic hat trick next season.
