Royal Challengers Bengaluru wrapped up IPL 2026 with a second consecutive title, beating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the championship match at Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. The win was powered by a collective bowling display and Virat Kohli’s composed unbeaten knock of 75, as RCB turned pressure into control to finish the job comfortably. It also marked a rare milestone for Bengaluru: in their 19-year IPL journey, they became only the fourth franchise after Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders to lift multiple trophies.
RCB’s title-clinching formula in Ahmedabad
While the final result swung on RCB’s ability to manage the contest at key stages, the team’s overall identity across the tournament stood out—depth in match-winning moments, disciplined bowling, and the confidence that comes from a settled unit. With Kohli remaining undefeated on 75, Bengaluru successfully completed the chase after Gujarat were restricted and then unable to sustain momentum.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets.
- The match was played in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
- Virat Kohli finished unbeaten on 75 to steer the chase.
- The triumph delivered back-to-back titles for RCB.
- RCB became the fourth team in IPL history (after CSK, MI and KKR) to register multiple championship wins in their 19-year run.
What the RCB squad said after winning again
After lifting the trophy, several RCB players reflected on the tournament’s journey—praising the squad’s balance, the calm mindset within the group, and the preparation that shaped their title defence.
Krunal Pandya: “The auction can decide half the battle”
Krunal Pandya described the campaign as special on many levels, underlining how the franchise’s planning helped create a winning side. He highlighted that having a strong support system—naming Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik and Malolan Rangarajan—made a measurable difference in building the squad for the season.
- Every IPL feels unique, he said, comparing it to something unpredictable yet exciting.
- He credited the support staff’s work around the auction and squad balance as a major factor.
- He noted that in 11 years, winning five trophies has been “pretty special” for him.
- Krunal expressed joy at Bengaluru bringing the trophy back-to-back.
- He said 18 years of waiting and then winning consecutively is special for RCB fans.
- He also spoke about Virat’s achievement, calling it “amazing” after the long wait across seasons.
Virat Kohli: calm execution, not panic
Virat Kohli said the pressure did not feel like the previous season, explaining that the team knew the quality within the group. He pointed to topping the table as proof of their standard in the league stage and credited the squad’s maturity and composure for turning the final into a clinical performance.
- Kohli said the pressure felt different from last year.
- He stressed the importance of sticking to their cricket and executing their plans.
- He cited their league success: topping the table and reaching the final first.
- He described the final as “clinical,” with the group showing growth in confidence.
- He referenced a spell after the break that included one defeat and a narrow win over MI, calling that period “tricky” because they wanted to finish on top.
- He said the victory over Mumbai Indians restored belief and set the tone for the run.
- Kohli referenced a comprehensive win over Kolkata Knight Riders that helped Bengaluru top the table and move into the final.
- He highlighted squad strength, saying the team had multiple players capable of stepping up rather than relying on one person.
- He praised depth by pointing out the spread of Man of the Match performances across the group.
- He singled out Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Dar for their impact during the season.
- Kohli said he feels happy to play in a year where the team has balance, strength and all-round power.
Jitesh Sharma: “We are not defending; we are attacking”
Jitesh Sharma said the team’s mentality shifted once they won the first trophy, explaining that their approach focused on dominance rather than simply protecting a title. He also praised management and the way they supported players through form issues.
- Jitesh said the team is not defending the trophy; it is aiming to attack.
- He explained that the mindset became more aggressive, focused on dominating.
- He credited management for nurturing the squad and creating a strong atmosphere.
- He praised Dinesh Karthik for how he handled Jitesh when he was not performing well.
- He said it shows good people are respected and you do not need to be a “big player” to earn that regard.
- Jitesh said the focus stayed on one match at a time—tactics and execution.
- He added that they will carry the belief forward and maybe go for a third title next year.
Josh Hazlewood: relaxed group, squad depth
Josh Hazlewood reacted to the title with pride, stating it ranks among the best moments for him. He emphasized that the team felt calmer than the previous year after finally ending a long wait for their first success.
- Hazlewood said the achievement ranks “right up there.”
- He described a more relaxed atmosphere inside the group compared to last year.
- He said the team had a calm and composed feel throughout the tournament.
- He pointed to the way different players stepped up when needed.
- He noted the squad produced around ten Man of the Matches, highlighting depth.
- He praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar, saying he cannot recall a game where the bowler conceded more than 35 runs.
- He added that Kumar took wickets upfront nearly every match, easing pressure for the rest of the bowlers.
- Hazlewood mentioned that the bowling unit could bowl in the fourth and fifth overs during Powerplay phases.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: team culture and planned bowling
Bhuvneshwar Kumar placed the trophy above individual awards, saying he would trade the Purple Cap for the championship. He also credited wicket-taking confidence, careful planning before and during the season, and the collective support within the franchise.
- Bhuvneshwar said the trophy is the most important thing for the team.
- He said he would swap the Purple Cap any day for the title.
- He believed planning and multiple pre-season factors contributed to his strong run.
- He said wickets boost confidence, especially when heading into big matches.
- He described a protective team environment: if one bowler struggled, another was ready to deliver.
- He credited the franchise’s construction as “beautiful,” including support staff.
- He highlighted the relaxed atmosphere in the group and the sense that everyone is enjoying the process.
- He said it is difficult to build culture quickly when teams change frequently every few years, but RCB now feels like a tight unit.
- He added that the team plays for one another rather than for individual goals.
- On the idea of a three-peat, he said he could not see why not.
Devdutt Padikkal: professionalism and Kohli’s growth
Devdutt Padikkal praised the quality around him and said batting alongside top performers helped him elevate his game. He also lauded the bowling unit’s planning and execution, explaining that their approach is meticulous and followed “to the T.” Padikkal further spoke about Virat Kohli’s continuous improvement.
- Padikkal called the experience incredible and special for the entire group.
- He said the quality around him helped him raise his level.
- He praised the bowling unit, calling their season “unbelievable.”
- He said the plans are executed consistently and with precision every day.
- Padikkal said he has attended meetings and witnessed how carefully the team prepares.
- On Kohli, he described conversations during key wicket moments with Venky, saying nerves were unnecessary because Kohli knows what he is doing and performs under pressure.
- He said Kohli keeps evolving and working on his game and appears hungry to improve further.
- Padikkal said after last season ended, the team discussed going back-to-back and preserving the feeling of winning trophies.
- He expressed gratitude for being able to be part of the final and deliver the title.
