Virat Kohli celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 title triumph in Ahmedabad with a joyful dance alongside his wife Anushka Sharma, a moment that quickly drew widespread attention. In the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Rajat Patidar and RCB wrapped up the summit contest with a comfortable five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, sealing a remarkable run of consecutive IPL crowns. Kohli delivered when it mattered most, smashing an unbeaten 75 to guide his side to a 156 chase in just 18 overs and successfully defend the trophy.
Key takeaways
- RCB won the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans by five wickets, completing a back-to-back title run.
- Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 and steered the chase of 156 in 18 overs.
- The celebrations included a viral video showing Kohli dancing with Anushka Sharma and members of the RCB squad, including Dinesh Karthik.
- Kohli suggested that a new wave of young players—highlighting Vaibhav Sooryavanshi—helped push him to adjust his mindset this season.
- He pointed out RCB’s early-season momentum: in the first 10 matches, eight different players won the Player of the Match award.
RCB’s title-clinching chase and the viral celebrations
The final unfolded with RCB taking control early, and Kohli’s unbeaten knock became the driving force behind the chase. With the target of 156 in front of them, the right-hander ensured the innings stayed on track and then accelerated at the right moments, finishing the job in 18 overs to hand RCB their second IPL title.
After the win, RCB shared a video on social media featuring Kohli in celebratory mood. The clip showed him dancing exuberantly with Anushka Sharma, alongside Dinesh Karthik and other squad members. The footage spread quickly online, turning the night into a memorable fan moment beyond the match result.
Kohli reflects on the season: adapting to young talent
At the post-match presentation, Kohli expressed how much the moment meant to him, describing it as something he had imagined repeatedly—always hoping to be the man to land the winning runs. He also made an indirect reference to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, noting how the teenager’s impact during the season influenced his own approach.
When asked about his 25-ball half-century, Kohli framed it with a mix of humour and honesty, saying that the “super young players” are forcing established names to raise the tempo. He clarified that the change wasn’t about completely reworking his game, but about altering his mindset—taking on bowlers more directly and finding additional runs.
Kohli also highlighted a broader reason he felt pleased with the campaign. In the first ten games, eight separate cricketers received the Player of the Match award. For him, that meant the success wasn’t dependent on a single individual stepping up every time.
Wrapping up his thoughts, Kohli said that after waiting for a long time, it was special to be part of a group where players could take responsibility collectively—so the team didn’t always require him to deliver the decisive moment.
