A stunning batting and bowling performance has inspired Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second consecutive title with an imperious five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Remaining highly determined with a suffocating bowling and a resolute batting attack, RCB outclassed the Titans across all departments to successfully defend their crown and spoil GT's party. 

After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar's bold decision to field paid instant dividends, with RCB bowlers striking early to topple GT's skilled top order and putting the hosts under great pressure. The prized wickets of captain Shubman Gill and the excellent Sai Sudharsan inside the powerplay gave RCB a big advantage. With the Titans' innings in huge danger of going off the track, Washington Sundar staged a lone battle. He got a crucial lifeline, and capitalising smartly, Sundar cracked a much-needed half-century that helped the Titans regain some stability.

However, RCB's relentless bowling attack didn't allow GT to break free from the shackles. Rasikh Salam Dar starred with an impressive three-wicket haul, while experienced campaigners Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar chipped in with two wickets apiece to restrict Gujarat Titans to a modest total of 155/8 in 20 overs.

Chasing 156, RCB started off confidently but encountered a few anxious moments as they lost wickets at regular intervals. However, like always when the occasion demanded composure and class, Virat Kohli rose to the challenge. The batting maestro anchored the chase with supreme control. RCB cruised to the target with two overs remaining, courtesy of a brutal unbeaten 75 off 42 from Virat Kohli. Tim David's and Venkatesh Iyer's 24 and 32 runs, respectively, kept the side on course. RCB have now become only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully defend their championship crown, turning their long-awaited victory into the start of a golden era, securing back-to-back titles.