Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the IPL 2026 Final by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, 2026. Chasing a target of 156 runs, RCB completed the task with 12 balls remaining, finishing on 161 for 5 in 18 overs. The victory was powered by an unbeaten innings from Virat Kohli, whose match winning knock guided Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title. With this triumph, RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend their championship, joining an elite list of teams that have managed to win back to back titles. The final delivered several memorable moments, from RCB disciplined bowling performance to Kohli commanding chase under pressure.
IPL 2026 Final Scorecard
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 155 for 8 | 20 overs |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 161 for 5 | 18 overs |
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 5 wickets. RCB reached the target comfortably with two overs remaining, highlighting the dominance of their batting unit despite a few middle order setbacks.
How Gujarat Titans Reached 155 for 8
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first. The decision immediately paid off as Bengaluru pace attack executed a disciplined short ball strategy that disrupted Gujarat highly successful top order.
Early Setbacks for GT
- Shubman Gill was dismissed for 10 runs
- Sai Sudharsan managed only 12 runs
The early wickets put Gujarat under pressure and prevented them from building momentum at the start of the innings.
Middle Order Collapse
RCB bowling attack continued to dominate throughout the middle overs. Rasikh Salam Dar emerged as the standout performer, producing a match changing spell of 3 wickets for 27 runs. His ability to strike regularly prevented Gujarat from establishing any meaningful partnerships. The continuous loss of wickets forced the Titans into a defensive approach, limiting their scoring opportunities during crucial phases of the innings.
Washington Sundar Lone Battle
While wickets kept falling at the other end, Washington Sundar played a determined innings under pressure. His unbeaten 50 from 37 balls helped Gujarat recover from a difficult position and pushed the team to 155 for 8. Without his contribution, the Titans may have struggled to post a competitive total. His innings provided at least some hope for Gujarat bowlers heading into the second innings.
| Gujarat Titans Key Batters | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Sundar | 50* | 37 |
| Shubman Gill | 10 | – |
| Sai Sudharsan | 12 | – |
| Jos Buttler | 19 | 23 |
RCB Bowling Heroes
| Bowler | Figures |
|---|---|
| Rasikh Salam Dar | 3 wickets for 27 runs |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 2 wickets for 29 runs |
| Josh Hazlewood | Early breakthrough of Shubman Gill |
RCB Aggressive Chase
Chasing 156 in a final is never straightforward, but Bengaluru approached the target with positive intent from the very beginning.
Fast Start at the Top
Venkatesh Iyer set the tone with an attacking knock of 32 runs from just 16 balls. His aggressive approach allowed RCB to build a quick opening partnership with Virat Kohli and gain early control of the chase. The opening stand of 62 runs significantly reduced the required run rate and shifted pressure onto Gujarat bowlers.
Rashid Khan Fightback
Gujarat briefly returned to the contest thanks to Rashid Khan. The experienced spinner removed Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the same over, reducing Bengaluru to 91 for 4 and creating some uncertainty in the chase. For a brief period, the Titans sensed an opportunity to make a comeback. However, RCB experienced batting lineup remained composed and refused to panic.
Virat Kohli Delivers on the Biggest Stage
The defining performance of the IPL 2026 Final came from Virat Kohli. The veteran batter anchored the chase brilliantly and remained unbeaten on 75 runs from just 42 deliveries.
A Captain Knock Without the Captaincy
Although Rajat Patidar led the team as captain, Kohli innings demonstrated leadership through performance. His knock included 9 fours, 3 sixes, and an unbeaten 75 runs. Kohli balanced aggression and control perfectly, ensuring RCB never lost command of the chase.
Fastest IPL Fifty
One of the highlights of his innings was reaching a half century in only 25 balls. The milestone represented the fastest IPL fifty of his career and showcased his ability to adapt his game according to the match situation.
Finishing in Style
Kohli completed the chase with a six over long on during the 18th over. It was a fitting ending to a remarkable innings and a memorable championship winning performance.
| RCB Key Batters | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 75* | 42 |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 32 | 16 |
| Rashid Khan (GT) | 2 wickets for 25 runs | – |
What Made the Difference?
The final was ultimately decided by three major factors:
- RCB success in removing Gujarat top order early
- Rasikh Salam Dar impactful bowling spell of 3 for 27
- Virat Kohli unbeaten match winning innings of 75 runs
While Gujarat Titans had moments of resistance through Washington Sundar and Rashid Khan, Bengaluru consistently controlled the important phases of the match.
IPL 2026 Awards and Season Honours
| Award | Winner | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the Match (Final) | Virat Kohli | RCB |
| Player of the Tournament (MVP) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Rajasthan Royals |
| Orange Cap (Most Runs) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Rajasthan Royals |
| Purple Cap (Most Wickets) | Kagiso Rabada | Gujarat Titans |
| Emerging Player of the Season | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Rajasthan Royals |
Players Who Shined in the Final
- Virat Kohli (RCB): The undisputed star of the final with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls
- Rasikh Salam Dar (RCB): Produced a match winning spell of 3 for 27 and dismantled Gujarat middle order
- Venkatesh Iyer (RCB): His rapid 32 off 16 balls provided the perfect platform during the chase
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar (RCB): Delivered important early breakthroughs and maintained pressure
- Washington Sundar (GT): Fought a lone battle with an unbeaten 50 and helped Gujarat post a respectable total
- Rashid Khan (GT): Tried to spark a comeback with two crucial wickets during the chase
Players Who Fell Short of Expectations
- Shubman Gill: The Gujarat captain managed only 10 runs and could not replicate his playoff heroics
- Jos Buttler: Scored 19 off 23 balls and struggled to accelerate when his team needed momentum
- Sai Sudharsan: Departed for 12 runs and failed to provide stability at the top
- Kagiso Rabada: Despite winning the Purple Cap, he conceded 44 runs in 3 overs during the final
- Devdutt Padikkal: Scored just one run and endured a disappointing outing
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Final will be remembered as the night Royal Challengers Bengaluru cemented their place among the league most successful franchises. Their five wicket victory over Gujarat Titans showcased a complete team performance, combining disciplined bowling, aggressive batting, and experienced leadership. Virat Kohli unbeaten 75 proved to be the defining innings of the contest, while the bowling unit ensured Gujarat never reached a commanding total. The victory secured RCB second consecutive IPL championship and placed them among the rare teams to successfully defend their title. For Gujarat Titans, the season still featured several positives, including strong performances from Washington Sundar and Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada. However, on the biggest night of the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered when it mattered most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who won the IPL 2026 Final?
A1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win their second consecutive IPL title.
Q2. What was Virat Kohli score in the IPL 2026 Final?
A2. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 runs from 42 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes, and was named Player of the Match.
Q3. How many wickets did Rasikh Salam Dar take in the final?
A3. Rasikh Salam Dar took 3 wickets for 27 runs and played a key role in dismantling Gujarat Titans middle order.
Q4. Who won the Orange Cap and Purple Cap in IPL 2026?
A4. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals won the Orange Cap with 776 runs. Kagiso Rabada of Gujarat Titans won the Purple Cap with 29 wickets.
Q5. What was the final score of the IPL 2026 Final?
A5. Gujarat Titans scored 155 for 8 in 20 overs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased the target successfully, scoring 161 for 5 in 18 overs.