Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte the historic IPL 2026 title win

A Historic Defense of the Crown

In a display of sheer dominance, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially cemented their place in the history books by becoming only the third team in Indian Premier League history to clinch back-to-back titles. Under the tactical leadership of Rajat Patidar, the Bengaluru side successfully defended the crown they earned in 2025, mirroring the success of their previous campaign in the very same stadium in Ahmedabad.

The IPL 2026 final was a masterclass in controlled aggression and clinical execution. Facing off against the Gujarat Titans on their home turf, RCB displayed the composure of champions, securing a five-wicket victory that left little doubt about which side was superior on the day. As the final ball was bowled, the celebrations began, reverberating from the stands in Ahmedabad to fans across the globe.

The Match Narrative: Dominance from the Outset

Rajat Patidar’s decision to bowl first on a surface that offered significant assistance to the seamers proved to be a tactical masterstroke. The Gujarat Titans, a formidable batting unit, found themselves in immediate trouble. The prolific opening partnership of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill—so often the engine room for the Titans—was dismantled within the powerplay. This early collapse set a tone that the Titans struggled to recover from for the remainder of the innings.

Despite a valiant effort from Washington Sundar, who anchored the middle order with a gritty fifty, the Titans could only manage a total of 155. The RCB bowling attack was relentless, with Rasikh Salam leading the charge with three vital wickets, well-supported by the discipline of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood. It was a comprehensive team effort that stifled any hope of a significant recovery from the Gujarat lineup.

Kohli’s Masterclass Seals the Deal

Chasing a modest target of 156, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached the task with an aggressive mindset. Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli wasted no time, blistering to a 62-run opening partnership in just four and a half overs. By the time the powerplay concluded, the required run rate had dipped below six, effectively taking the pressure off the middle order.

While wickets did fall at the other end as the middle order looked to finish the job quickly, Virat Kohli stood firm. The modern-day maestro played a quintessential innings, remaining unbeaten on 75 to guide his team home. His performance served as a fitting end to a tournament where he was once again the central figure of the team’s success.

Global Tributes and Recognition

The magnitude of this achievement drew admiration from far beyond the cricket fraternity. The victory prompted a wave of tributes, highlighting the global brand that RCB has become. Notably, Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte the match, showcasing the mutual respect shared between elite athletes.

Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill, ever the sportsman, took to Instagram to acknowledge the victors, posting: “Played bold, well deserved @royalchallengers.bengaluru.” Similarly, England football icon Harry Kane, a known enthusiast of the game and a close friend of Virat Kohli, shared his own tribute. Kane posted, “What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru for making it back-to-back IPL titles.”