RCB became champion for the second consecutive time. (Photo- PTI)
RCB vs GT, IPL 2026 Final: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) performed the feat in the cricket world for which the fans were waiting for years. In the final match of IPL 2026, RCB captained by Rajat Patidar has won the IPL title for the second consecutive time by defeating Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT). In this high-voltage match played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru proved its dominance by performing brilliantly in every department and won the match by 5 wickets. With this, RCB team became the third team to defend its title in IPL.
Bowlers laid a strong foundation for victory
RCB had a very strong start after winning the toss and opting to bowl first. RCB bowlers completely proved captain Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first right. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood gave a big blow to Gujarat captain Shubman Gill by sending him to the pavilion for just 10 runs. Soon after, Sai Sudarshan also departed after scoring 12 runs. Then Jos Buttler was trying to handle the innings, but all-rounder Krunal Pandya dashed Gujarat’s hopes by dismissing him with a precise wide yorker.
However, Washington Sundar, handling one end, scored unbeaten 50 runs in 37 balls, due to which Gujarat team managed to score 155 runs at the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. The most successful bowler from RCB was young uncapped player Rasikh Salam. Rasikh bowled brilliantly and took 3 wickets for 27 runs in 4 overs. At the same time, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took 2-2 wickets. Krunal Pandya also managed to take 1 wicket.
Virat Kohli played match winning innings
In response to the target of 156 runs, Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli gave an explosive start to RCB. Venkatesh Iyer scored 32 runs in 16 balls, which included 4 fours and 2 sixes. However, Devdutt Padikkal was out after scoring 1 run. After this, Rashid Shan tried to make Gujarat’s comeback by dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the same over, but Virat Kohli kept one end under control. During this, Tim David scored 24 runs in 17 balls and led the team towards victory. At the same time, Virat Kohli sealed the team’s victory by scoring unbeaten 75 runs on 42 balls. His innings included 9 fours and 3 sixes.
With this win, RCB has joined the elite club of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, who have successfully defended their title. The Bengaluru team, which won its first title last year i.e. in 2025, continued its form this year and repeated history.
