IPL 2026: RCB Defend Their Title — Kohli's 75* Wins the Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium on 31 May 2026. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru completed one of the most remarkable chapters in IPL history on 31 May 2026, defending their title from 2025 with a 5-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided RCB to 161/5 in 18 overs, chasing Gujarat Titans' 155/8. RCB became only the third franchise to successfully defend the IPL title, and Kohli's back-to-back final victories gave him the IPL trophies that his career had long seemed destined never to include.
The Final: Gujarat Titans vs RCB
Gujarat Titans batted first at the Narendra Modi Stadium and posted 155/8 from their 20 overs — a competitive but below-par total on a ground known for high scores. RCB's chase was anchored by Kohli, who came in at No. 3 and batted through to the end. His 75 from a measured approach included key boundaries at the right moments and a clinical partnership in the final five overs that put the result beyond doubt. RCB reached 161/5 in 18 overs, finishing with 2 overs to spare.
Kohli's IPL Legacy Completed
Virat Kohli's IPL career had been defined for two decades by extraordinary individual brilliance for RCB — multiple Purple Cap and Orange Cap seasons, scoring records — without a title. RCB's 2025 triumph (beating Punjab Kings by 6 runs) ended that wait. Defending the title in 2026 with another match-winning final innings made the narrative complete. Kohli's 2025 and 2026 final performances — both match-winning — are now part of IPL folklore alongside his batting achievements throughout two decades in the competition.
IPL 2026 Season Highlights
IPL 2026 followed the mega-auction of 2025 where several major player movements reshaped franchises. The auction had seen Rishabh Pant move from Delhi Capitals to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, and KL Rahul move to Delhi. By 2026, the teams had settled into their new identities. RCB's squad built around Kohli and a strong pace attack proved the best balanced unit of the season. Gujarat Titans reached the final after a strong second half of the tournament but were unable to match RCB's firepower in the decisive game.
Frequently asked questions
Who won IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won IPL 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on 31 May 2026.
Who won the IPL 2026 final Player of the Match?
Virat Kohli won Player of the Match for his unbeaten 75 in the IPL 2026 final, guiding RCB to 161/5 while chasing Gujarat Titans' 155/8.
Did RCB win back-to-back IPL titles?
Yes. RCB won IPL 2025 (beating Punjab Kings by 6 runs) and IPL 2026 (beating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets), making them the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend the title.
Has any IPL team won three consecutive titles?
No team has won three consecutive IPL titles. Mumbai Indians have the most titles (5) and won back-to-back in certain years. RCB's back-to-back victories in 2025 and 2026 are a significant achievement but fall short of the three-in-a-row milestone.