Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the third side in the history of the IPL to defend the title with their 5-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in the final of the 2026 edition at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who broke the curse to lead the side to the IPL title last year and went on to retain it, paid tribute to the fans who lost their lives in the stampede in Bengaluru last year, on a day which was originally meant to be a celebration.
“You feel bad about losing you fans, who are our family, after winning, but I want to dedicate this trophy to them,” Patidar said.
Patidar won the toss in the summit clash in Ahmedabad and opted to fied as RCB seamer Josh Hazlewood drew first blood by dismissing GT captain
Shubman Gill for 10 off 8, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar tightened the grip by sending Sai Sudharsan back for a run-a-ball 12.
Nishant Sindhu was removed by Rasik Salam for 20 off 18, while Krunal Pandya outfoxed Jos Buttler, dismissing the Englishman for 19 off 23.
Washington Sundar had a stroke of fortune when Joson Cox’s catch off his bat was overturned, after which he found his rhythm with a couple of boundaries. Arshad Khan added impetus with two sixes, but Hazlewood returned to dismiss the youngster, leaving GT five down before they had even reached 100.
Rashik struck once more to get rid of Rahul Tewatia for 7 off 5, and Bhuvneshwar returned to send Jason Holder back, capping off an excellent spell. Salam completed his three-wicket haul by removing Rashid Khan for 7 off 3, while Sundar held the innings together with an unbeaten 50, guiding GT to 155/8.
RCB’s reply got off to a flying start, as openers Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli smashed a 62-run stand inside 5 overs, putting GT’s bowlers under intense pressure.
Iyer was dismissed by Mohammed Siraj after a brisk 32 off 16, and Kagiso Rabada soon accounted for Devdutt Padikkal, who managed just 1.
Skipper Rajat Patidar then joined Kohli, scoring 15 off 13 before falling to Rashid Khan. The Afghan spinner struck again to remove Krunal for 1 off 2, but Tim David restored stability with a 41-run partnership with Kohli, who brought up yet another half-century.
David edged behind off Arshad Khan, after which Jitesh Sharma came in to complete the formalities, wrapping up the chase with 12 balls remaining and making RCB only the third side, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend the IPL title.
