RCB Make History: Defending Champions Defeat Gujarat Titans to Win IPL 2026 Title

Ahmedabad, June 1 (TNA) Royal Challengers Bengaluru have etched their name in IPL history by becoming just the third franchise ever to successfully defend their title, defeating Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The defending champions triumphed by five wickets, chasing down Gujarat’s 155/8 with an over to spare to lift the trophy in front of a packed stadium.

Gujarat Titans, batting first, could only manage 155 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in their 20 overs, thanks to a disciplined bowling performance from RCB led by Rasik Khanna and Mohammed Siraj. The RCB bowlers kept their composure under pressure, restricting the home side to a below-par total on a pitch that typically favours batting.

The chase was steered by a magnificent innings from Virat Kohli, who played one of the greatest knocks of his illustrious career. Kohli smashed 75 runs off just 42 balls, anchoring RCB’s chase with a blend of aggressive strokeplay and calculated risk-taking. His innings was the backbone of RCB’s successful run-chase, and the crowd bore witness to a masterclass from the batting legend as he guided his team towards the title.

RCB reached the target of 156 in 18 overs, with Kohli’s heroics proving decisive. Jitesh Sharma also contributed with 11 runs off 14 balls, helping stabilise the innings during the middle overs. The victory marks a historic moment for RCB, which finally broke its trophy drought by winning back-to-back IPL titles, cementing its status as one of the premier franchises in the tournament’s history.

The final was a clash between two formidable teams, with RCB having already defeated GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 at Dharamshala to book their place in the summit clash. In the league stage, the teams had finished on 18 points each, setting up this thrilling finale. Despite GT’s home advantage at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB’s superior form and Kohli’s cremational batting performance proved too much to handle.

The IPL 2026 final showcased the best of T20 cricket, with RCB’s disciplined bowling attack and Kohli’s masterful batting combining to deliver a trophy that fans have waited decades to see. The victory celebrations in Bengaluru are expected to be massive, as RCB finally delivers on their promise and brings the IPL trophy home for the second consecutive year.