1st innings
Gujarat Titans
GT 155/8 (20 ov)
Chase · Champions
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
RCB 161/5 (18.0 ov)
Margin
RCB won by 5 wickets (12 balls remaining)
Man of the Match
Virat Kohli 75* (42)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020) to defend the IPL title. Virat Kohli held the chase together with an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls as RCB closed out 156 with 12 balls to spare on a slow Ahmedabad surface. For Gujarat Titans, it was a third final loss out of three appearances — they remain Shubman Gill's most successful franchise but the trophy stayed in Bengaluru.
The Venue — Narendra Modi Stadium
Narendra Modi Stadium is the crown jewel of Indian cricket — the largest cricket ground on earth, rebuilt and reopened in 2020. Its four-tier stands can hold 132,000 spectators, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in world cricket. Ahmedabad has hosted two previous IPL Finals and the 2023 ODI World Cup Final, making it the natural home for the sport's biggest occasions.
The Road to the Final
League Stage
14 roundsAll 10 IPL teams play 14 matches each (home and away). The top 4 teams at the end of the league stage advance to the playoffs.
Qualifier 1 — 26 May
Dharamshala1st vs 2nd place at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala. The winner books their place directly in the Final. The loser gets another chance.
Eliminator — 27 May
New Chandigarh3rd vs 4th place at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh. The loser is knocked out of the tournament.
Qualifier 2 — 29 May
New ChandigarhQ1 loser faces the Eliminator winner at New Chandigarh. The winner earns the second Final spot.
Final — 31 May
AhmedabadThe two survivors meet at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. One team will be crowned IPL 2026 champions.
IPL Finals History
| Year | Winner |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2020 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2017 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
IPL 2026 Final — FAQs
Who won the IPL 2026 Final?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL 2026 Final, beating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 31 May 2026. Chasing 156, RCB got home at 161/5 in 18 overs — 12 balls to spare.
Who was Man of the Match in the IPL 2026 Final?
Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, anchoring RCB's chase against the Gujarat Titans attack on a slow Ahmedabad surface.
What were the IPL 2026 Final scores?
Gujarat Titans batted first and posted 155/8 in their 20 overs. RCB chased it down with 161/5 in 18 overs to win by 5 wickets.
How did RCB reach the IPL 2026 Final?
RCB topped Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala on 26 May, beating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs (RCB 254/5; GT 162 all out in 19.3) to book a direct ticket to the Final. Their batting depth and Kagiso Rabada-led pace attack carried them through the playoffs.
Is RCB the first team to defend the IPL title?
RCB are only the third franchise to win back-to-back IPL titles. Chennai Super Kings did it first (2010 & 2011) and Mumbai Indians repeated the feat in 2019 & 2020. RCB now join that select group after their 2025 and 2026 titles.
Where is the IPL 2026 Final being held?
The IPL 2026 Final was played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. With a capacity of 132,000, it is the world's largest cricket stadium. It hosted the 2022 and 2023 IPL Finals as well as the 2023 ODI World Cup Final.
Which team has won the most IPL titles?
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are tied as the most successful IPL franchises with five titles each. Mumbai Indians won in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Chennai Super Kings won in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Kolkata Knight Riders are third with three titles (2012, 2014, 2024). RCB sit fourth on two titles (2025, 2026).
Has a final ever been won by just 1 run?
Yes — twice. In 2019, Mumbai Indians beat Chennai Super Kings by 1 run in a final-ball thriller at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad. In 2017, Mumbai Indians beat Rising Pune Supergiant by 1 run in another last-over final at the same ground.
Final — Key Facts
- Date
- Sunday, 31 May 2026
- Venue
- Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Winner
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Runner-up
- Gujarat Titans
- Margin
- 5 wickets (12 balls left)
- Scores
- GT 155/8 · RCB 161/5
- Man of the Match
- Virat Kohli 75* (42)
- Edition
- IPL 2026 (19th season)
Most IPL Titles
- MI5 titles
- CSK5 titles
- KKR3 titles
- RCB2 titles
- SRH1 title
- GT1 title
- RR1 title
- DCH1 title
IPL 2026 Coverage
How to Watch
- IndiaJioHotstar / Star Sports
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- USAWillow TV
- AustraliaFoxtel / Kayo
- CaribbeanFlow Sports