In the end, it was only fitting that Virat Kohli finished the job.
The RCB star struck the winning runs with a towering six over long-on off Arshad Khan as Royal Challengers Bengaluru cruised to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Chasing a modest target of 156, RCB completed the task with two overs remaining to secure their second consecutive IPL crown.
Kohli anchored the chase with a magnificent unbeaten 75 from just 42 deliveries, laced with nine boundaries and three sixes. His half-century came off only 25 balls, making it the fastest IPL fifty of his career. With more than 90,000 fans in attendance, the veteran once again rose to the occasion and delivered on the biggest stage.
The triumph places RCB among an elite group of franchises. They became only the third team in IPL history to win consecutive titles, joining Chennai Super Kings (2010-11) and Mumbai Indians (2019-20). For a franchise that spent years falling short at crucial moments, the achievement marks a remarkable transformation.
RCB Bowlers Set Up the Victory
After being asked to field first, RCB’s bowlers produced a disciplined display to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8.
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early, exploiting the pace and bounce available on the surface. Hazlewood finished with 2/37, while Bhuvneshwar returned figures of 2/29. Their early breakthroughs removed Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for 10 and Sai Sudharsan for 12, leaving the Titans struggling from the outset.
Rasikh Salam continued his impressive season with an excellent spell of 3/27. He dismissed Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia and Rashid Khan, further strengthening his credentials for higher honours. Krunal Pandya also played a key role, claiming 1/23 and outfoxing Jos Buttler with a clever delivery.
Sundar Fights a Lone Battle
Washington Sundar was the lone bright spot in Gujarat’s batting effort.
Coming to the crease in a difficult situation, Sundar compiled a determined 50 from 37 balls and helped his side recover from a shaky position. His resistance ensured the Titans added 92 runs in the final 10 overs after reaching just 63/2 at the halfway stage.
However, Gujarat’s innings was undermined by poor shot selection and an inability to build meaningful partnerships. Gill fell attempting an ambitious pull shot off Hazlewood, while Sudharsan top-edged a bouncer from Bhuvneshwar. Their highest partnership was only 29 runs for the third wicket between Buttler and Sindhu, highlighting the lack of momentum throughout the innings.
The Titans managed only three sixes in their entire innings, reflecting both RCB’s disciplined bowling and Gujarat’s inability to apply sustained pressure.
Kohli and Iyer Seal the Chase
RCB’s response began in commanding fashion.
Kohli and impact substitute Venkatesh Iyer launched the chase aggressively, adding 62 runs in just 27 balls. Iyer contributed a quickfire 32 from 16 deliveries before departing.
Rashid Khan briefly sparked hope for Gujarat by dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the ninth over. But with Kohli in complete control, the result never appeared in doubt.
The former RCB captain remained unbeaten until the end, sealing victory in trademark style and capping another memorable chapter in his illustrious IPL career.
