Virat Kohli struck his fastest IPL fifty to lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their Indian Premier League title with a commanding five wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 156, RCB rode on an unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli, who produced his fastest half century in IPL history, to seal back to back championships and further cement his reputation as one of the game’s biggest match winners.
Kohli reached his fifty in just 25 balls and finished unbeaten on 75 from 42 deliveries as Bengaluru completed the chase with two overs to spare. Venkatesh Iyer provided valuable support with a brisk 32, ensuring the defending champions remained firmly in control throughout the innings.
The win extended a remarkable record for RCB, who have not lost a match since 2025 whenever Kohli has scored a fifty. It also made Bengaluru only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to retain the IPL title.
Both teams entered the final seeking their second IPL crown and a place among the league’s multiple title winners. RCB, who lifted their maiden trophy in Ahmedabad in 2025, once again proved too strong on the big stage.
Earlier, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum after being put under pressure by Bengaluru’s disciplined bowling attack. Washington Sundar top scored with an unbeaten 50, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 as GT posted 155 for eight from their 20 overs.
Rasikh Salam Dar starred with the ball for RCB, claiming three wickets for 27 runs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with two for 29. Josh Hazlewood also struck early to keep Gujarat in check.
GT’s preparations for the final were disrupted by a demanding travel schedule, with the team playing its third match at a third venue in six days. They only arrived in Ahmedabad on Saturday night after weather related delays.
Despite Rashid Khan’s two wickets for 25 runs, Gujarat were unable to stop Kohli from taking charge of the chase as RCB completed a memorable triumph.
Brief scores: Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50 not out, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75 not out, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.
