Virat Kohli scripted the defining moment of the IPL 2026 final with a composed 75 not out as Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted the trophy once again, this time with a comfortable chase against Gujarat Titans. RCB’s title-winning run chase was built on Kohli’s controlled batting, which carried the side over GT’s 156-run target with room to spare. For Kohli and the franchise, it marked their second IPL crown, and the way the chase was handled only underlined how much experience matters in a final.
After the match, Kohli shared a light-hearted exchange that went viral. While speaking to Mr Nags, he quipped, “Trophy aava de and home jaava de, thank you very much.” The phrase “aava de” is also known as a slogan associated with Gujarat Titans, adding an extra layer of humour to an already memorable night.
AB de Villiers, meanwhile, praised Kohli’s performance in glowing terms. The batting great hailed the way Kohli timed the chase from ball one, calling it a knock that showed he understands exactly how to pace an innings and still find the finishing gear when it is needed most. De Villiers also pointed out that RCB secured their second successive title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans, and Kohli’s 75* was central to that outcome.
The final took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where Kohli produced an innings full of authority—scoring his 75 off 42 deliveries. His knock featured nine boundaries and three maximums, and it guided RCB to reach 156 successfully to keep the trophy at home. Notably, the result echoed the 2025 title win at the same venue, with Bengaluru again delivering when the pressure was highest.
De Villiers elaborated on why Kohli’s inclusion changes the complexion of the chase. He said that in a final, if you manage to remove a batter like Kohli from the chasing order, the plan for the opposition can look different, but that GT struggled to do so. He highlighted how Rashid Khan’s spell from one end and the overall pressure from GT’s bowlers were factors—yet Kohli’s calmness allowed him to stay in control despite the early contest.
“He knows how to pace a chase right through the innings and finish it off. And it’s very fitting that he was there right at the end, scoring the winning runs,” de Villiers said. He added that GT were “a bit naughty” by feeding Kohli in ways that played straight into the batter’s strengths. In particular, he noted that many of the early deliveries in Kohli’s first 20 to 30 runs were targeted towards his leg-side, and that once one of the best players of all time gets a start in that manner, it becomes difficult to hold them back.
Once Kohli began to find rhythm, de Villiers described the chase as “plain sailing,” turning it into a one-sided flow. Being present for the final moments, he said, was truly phenomenal—especially in the context of a high-stakes final where margins are thin and momentum swings can decide everything.
Looking ahead, Kohli is set to return to international duty when India play Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series beginning on June 13 in Dharamshala. De Villiers also offered credit to RCB for their composure and confidence, speaking about how the back-to-back championship run felt different from the previous season. “It was a lot easier than last year, that’s for sure,” he said. “Last year was emotional, and we weren’t sure what was going to happen.”
He continued, “This year, when I saw Virat before the start of the game, there was quiet confidence. We’ve been here before, we know how it works and what the formula is. And what a remarkable achievement, back-to-back champions. I couldn’t be prouder.”
