RCB Crush Gujarat Titans to Win Second Consecutive IPL Title

KHEL JAGAT / Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented their status as one of the Indian Premier League’s modern powerhouses by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. The victory secured RCB’s second consecutive IPL title, placing them alongside the elite franchises that have successfully defended the championship.

After waiting 18 seasons to lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, RCB needed only 12 more months to add a second title to their cabinet. The triumph marks a remarkable transformation for a franchise once known for near misses and heartbreaks, but now increasingly recognized for consistency, depth, and championship-winning performances.

Dominant Season Ends with Perfect Finish

RCB entered the final as the tournament’s most dominant team. They finished at the top of the league table with 18 points and had already demonstrated their superiority over Gujarat Titans with a comprehensive victory in Qualifier 1.

That momentum carried seamlessly into the final. Under captain Rajat Patidar, Bengaluru produced a clinical all-round performance that rarely allowed Gujarat to gain control of the contest.

Although the final was played at Gujarat Titans’ home venue, the atmosphere inside the Narendra Modi Stadium overwhelmingly favored RCB. Thousands of Bengaluru supporters had traveled to Ahmedabad, creating a sea of red in the stands and generating a near-home atmosphere for the defending champions.

Bowlers Set the Tone

After winning the toss and electing to field, RCB’s bowlers immediately justified the decision. The pitch, affected by Ahmedabad’s intense summer heat, offered assistance to disciplined bowlers. RCB exploited those conditions brilliantly, applying pressure from the opening overs and preventing Gujarat’s explosive batting lineup from settling.

The early breakthroughs proved decisive. Gujarat’s star opening pair, including captain Shubman Gill and leading run-scorer Sai Sudharsan, were both dismissed inside the powerplay. The loss of the two prolific batters left Gujarat struggling at 26 for 2. RCB’s pace attack maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Veteran fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar mixed his lengths cleverly, while Josh Hazlewood delivered another influential performance in a major knockout match.

One of the standout performers was Rasikh Salam Dar, who emerged as an unlikely hero by claiming three crucial wickets and preventing Gujarat’s middle order from mounting a meaningful recovery.

Despite resistance from experienced players such as Jos Buttler and contributions lower down the order, Gujarat Titans never managed to build sustained momentum. They eventually posted 155 for 8 from their 20 overs—a competitive total under difficult conditions but one that appeared below par given the quality of RCB’s batting lineup.

Kohli Leads the Chase

If the bowling performance laid the foundation, the chase was built around another commanding innings from Virat Kohli.

RCB approached the target with positive intent from the outset. In the absence of Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer played an aggressive role at the top of the order, attacking Gujarat’s bowlers and helping RCB race beyond 60 runs inside five overs.

Even after losing a couple of wickets during the powerplay, Bengaluru maintained control of the chase. Their scoring rate ensured that the required run rate never became a concern.

Kohli was at the center of the assault. Mixing calculated aggression with trademark composure, he targeted both pace and spin while rotating the strike effectively. One particularly expensive over against South African fast bowler Kagiso Rabada swung the momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favor.

The veteran batter reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries, producing one of his most significant playoff innings in recent years. While it may not have matched some of the most memorable knocks of his career in terms of drama, it perfectly suited the occasion.

Gujarat’s Brief Hope

Gujarat Titans found a glimmer of hope through the brilliance of Afghan leg-spinner Rashid Khan.

Rashid struck twice in a single over, dismissing captain Rajat Patidar and all-rounder Krunal Pandya. For a short period, the wickets raised hopes among Gujarat supporters that the game might become competitive.

However, RCB never panicked. Kohli remained at the crease, anchoring the innings and ensuring the scoreboard continued to move. Supported by Australian power-hitter Tim David, he guided Bengaluru through the only challenging phase of the chase.

Even after David’s dismissal, the target was comfortably within reach. Kohli continued batting despite signs of cramping and remained unbeaten as RCB crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand.

A New IPL Powerhouse

The victory represents more than just another trophy. It confirms RCB’s emergence as one of the IPL’s dominant modern franchises.

For years, Bengaluru’s story revolved around unfulfilled potential despite featuring some of cricket’s biggest stars. That narrative has now changed dramatically. Consecutive championships have transformed perceptions of the franchise and established them among the league’s most successful teams.

Only a handful of franchises have managed to defend an IPL title, making RCB’s achievement particularly significant. Their success has been built on a balanced squad, strong leadership, tactical flexibility, and consistent performances across all phases of the tournament. The 2026 campaign demonstrated those qualities once again. From finishing atop the points table to dominating the playoffs and controlling the final from start to finish, Bengaluru rarely looked vulnerable.

As celebrations erupted among players and supporters alike, one thing became clear: RCB are no longer chasing history—they are creating it. Eighteen years brought the first IPL trophy. One year later came the second. What once seemed an impossible dream has evolved into the beginning of a new dynasty in red.