Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history as they became only the third team in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to defend the title successfully, beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets to clinch the IPL 2026 title at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Winning the toss, captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first before a conjoined bowling effort silenced the home side early. The Titans could only muster a 155-run total in 20 overs after losing skipper and Sai Sudharsan early in the Powerplay.
In reply, RCB romped to a powerful start on the back of a fiery opening stand from Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. RCB narrowed the target by half within the Powerplay. However, a flurry of wickets ensued soon after, forcing Kohli to see off the chase with a masterful anchoring knock. Despite a cluster of wickets falling around him, Kohli sped to his. Kohli eventually finished the chase with as six, remaining unbeaten on 75 as RCB crossed the line with two overs to spare.
Captain Rajat Patidar became only the third skipper to win back-to-back titles after MS Dhoni (2010 and 2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019 and 2020).
RCB joined , and as the fourth team to win multiple IPL titles.
The inaugural IPL title in 2008 was lifted by the after a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Chennai Super Kings. The following year, the now-defunct Deccan Chargers secured the 2009 championship by defeating RCB in the final. Last year, RCB had edged out by six runs to lift their maiden crown in .
Both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are two of the most successful sides in the history of IPL, having won five titles each. CSK have also reached the IPL final (10) the most times.
