RCB lift IPL 2026 trophy with 5-wicket win over Gujarat Titans

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Gujarat Titans by five wickets and clinch the IPL 2026 title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. With this win, RCB secured their second IPL crown and successfully defended their title, marking a historic achievement in franchise history.

Winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first, a decision that proved decisive as the bowlers executed a disciplined plan to restrict the Gujarat Titans to 155/10 in 20 overs. The Titans struggled from the start, losing key wickets of skipper Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan inside the Powerplay, which derailed their innings early.

Despite brief resistance in the middle order, GT failed to build momentum against a sharp RCB bowling attack that consistently applied pressure and kept the scoring in check. The modest total of 155 proved insufficient on a batting-friendly surface in Ahmedabad.

In reply, RCB came out with intent as Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer provided a blazing start. The duo ensured that nearly half the target was reduced within the Powerplay, putting RCB firmly in control of the chase. However, a cluster of wickets in the middle overs briefly brought Gujarat Titans back into the contest.

Amid the pressure, Kohli stood tall with a composed yet aggressive innings, anchoring the chase with remarkable maturity. He brought up his fastest-ever IPL half-century off just 25 balls, shifting momentum decisively back in RCB’s favour. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75, finishing the match in style with a six as RCB reached the target with two overs to spare.

With this victory, RCB became only the fourth franchise in IPL history to win multiple titles, joining Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Captain Rajat Patidar also etched his name in history by becoming only the third captain, after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, to win back-to-back IPL titles.

The triumph adds another memorable chapter to RCB’s IPL journey, as they continue their rise as one of the league’s most dominant modern-era teams.