Royal Challengers Bengaluru had to wait 18 years for their maiden IPL crown. Yet the wait didn’t end there—twelve months later, they lifted the trophy again, becoming only the third franchise to successfully defend the IPL title. On Sunday night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB underlined why they were viewed as the tournament’s most complete side, delivering a clinical five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans.
From first triumph to title defence
The story of this run is inseparable from the one figure who endured it all—Virat Kohli. The franchise had backed him when he was drafted in 2008, despite multiple seasons of criticism during trophyless stretches, a difficult captaincy phase, and at times, offers from other teams that would have tempted many players.
Kohli’s emotional breakthrough came when RCB finally became champions for the first time in 2025, when he broke down in tears. A year later, he found a way to deepen that legacy—leading from the front as Bengaluru secured back-to-back titles. This time, the finish came with a winning six over long-on, in a finishing moment that reminded many of MS Dhoni’s trademark authority.
How Kohli and RCB sealed the chase
In the final, Kohli anchored the run chase with a composed, trademark display. He remained unbeaten on 75, guiding his side home comfortably in just 18 overs. Gujarat did briefly threaten during Rashid Khan’s spell, when the leg-spinner struck twice in quick succession, but Kohli’s control ensured the Titans never gained full momentum.
- Kohli ended unbeaten on 75, steering RCB to victory with room to spare.
- Rashid Khan’s double-wicket burst gave Gujarat a short window to turn the contest.
- RCB completed the chase in 18 overs, winning by five wickets.
Fast starts, a wobble, and a decisive push
Even before Kohli could take over, RCB’s intent was clear. Their openers raced to 62 runs in only 4.3 overs, forcing Gujarat to chase from an uncomfortable position almost immediately. Momentum, however, did not stay perfectly smooth.
Venkatesh Iyer had set the tone early with aggressive hitting in the second over, which brought 18 runs from that burst. Then, once RCB’s powerplay momentum had been established, the innings saw a quick turn: Venkatesh was dismissed, Devdutt Padikkal fell soon after, and the pressure increased further when the captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya also departed quickly. At that stage, Bengaluru slipped to 91 for four.
- RCB reached 62 runs in 4.3 overs, putting Gujarat under early pressure.
- Venkatesh Iyer’s early assault in the second over helped RCB score 18 runs from that phase.
- After quick wickets—Venkatesh, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya—RCB were 91 for four.
Through the wobble, Kohli held his nerve. The 37-year-old brought up his fifth half-century of the season with a pulled four off pacer Arshad Khan. From there, Tim David stepped in to provide a timely acceleration, easing the pressure on Kohli.
Kohli also had to survive a tense moment when an umpire review suggested Shubman Gill’s catch off Arshad had bounced before it was taken. Despite the scare, the decision went RCB’s way, and Kohli continued on his path to the finish.
World reaction to Kohli’s ‘iconic’ innings
While Kohli’s match-winning effort sparked celebrations at home, the admiration spread well beyond India. International outlets quickly framed the performance as another defining Kohli chapter.
- An Australian cricket report from Fox Cricket highlighted “a new iconic Kohli moment,” stressing his 42-ball knock of 42 runs that included nine fours and three sixes.
- A South African publication dubbed Kohli the “King,” with its headline reading: “Kohli is king of IPL as RCB crush KG’s Gujarat.”
- A BBC report under the sub-head “King Kohli reigns supreme” pointed to Kohli’s longevity, noting he could turn 38 later this year while continuing to deliver on the biggest stage, including his fastest IPL half-century.
That global attention mirrored what fans saw at the ground: Kohli’s iconic number 18 jersey dominated the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest cricket venue, where official attendance on Sunday exceeded 90,000. With Kohli seemingly driven by one clear purpose—to get RCB over the line—the chase unfolded in a way that felt both familiar and historic, as Bengaluru etched their name even deeper into IPL folklore.
