Ahmedabad: Virat Kohli produced another memorable performance as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to retain the Indian Premier League title.
Chasing a target of 156 in the final at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru completed the run chase with two overs remaining, thanks largely to Kohli’s unbeaten 75 from just 42 deliveries. The veteran batter struck nine boundaries and three sixes, finishing the contest in style by hitting the winning runs over the boundary.
The victory secured RCB’s second IPL title and marked back-to-back championships after the franchise lifted its maiden trophy in 2025. Kohli, who was named Player of the Match, described the team as the strongest side in the tournament and praised the squad’s composure throughout the season.
Earlier, Bengaluru’s bowlers laid the foundation for victory by restricting Gujarat Titans to 155-8. Rasikh Salam Dar impressed with figures of 3-27, while experienced seamers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two wickets each. Gujarat struggled to build momentum, with only Washington Sundar offering significant resistance through an unbeaten half-century.
Kohli received strong support at the top of the order from Venkatesh Iyer, who scored a rapid 32 and helped establish a solid opening partnership. Although Gujarat briefly fought back through wickets from Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan, Kohli remained calm under pressure and guided his side towards victory.
The triumph further cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the IPL’s greatest performers. Despite approaching his 38th birthday later this year, the former India captain once again demonstrated his ability to deliver on cricket’s biggest stage, leading Bengaluru to another historic title and delighting thousands of RCB supporters in Ahmedabad.
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