The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a historic cricketing spectacle as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Grand Final of the IPL 2026 season. Entering the arena as the defending champions, RCB faced the immense pressure of expectation.
By the time the final runs were scored, they had not only successfully defended their crown but also etched their names into the history books as only the third team in IPL history to secure back-to-back championships.
Following the presentation ceremony, an emotional RCB captain, Rajat Patidar, took center stage to dedicate the historic trophy to the club's heartbeat, their fan base.
The blueprint for RCB's championship victory was executed flawlessly across both
departments of the game. Winning the toss, Patidar elected to field first, unleashing a lethal bowling attack that completely decimated the Gujarat Titans' top order. Relentless opening spells from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, followed by Krunal Pandya's chokehold in the middle overs, restricted the hosts to a meagre total of 155.
Chasing a target of 156, RCB suffered a minor top-order wobble, but the legendary Virat Kohli stood tall as the ultimate pillar of the innings. Counter-attacking with supreme aggression, Kohli smashed a spectacular 25-ball half-century, the fastest fifty of his illustrious IPL career to completely break the spirit of the GT defense and steer Bengaluru comfortably across the finish line.
'Ee Sala Nu Cup Namdu': Rajat Patidar Honors the Fans
The skipper put an iconic twist on the franchise's long-standing, hopeful anthem "Ee Sala Cup Namde" (This year the cup is ours), proudly declaring that the era of waiting is officially over.
"This title belongs to our 12th Man Army," an ecstatic Rajat Patidar stated during the post-match presentation. "For years, they stood by this franchise through thick and thin, chanting 'Ee Sala Cup Namde'. Today, I want to look at them and say: *Ee Sala Nu Cup Namdu* (This year too, the cup is ours). This successive championship is a tribute to their unwavering faith and energy. "
Patidar also praised the incredible composure showcased by his players under pressure, acknowledging that defending a title required an entirely different level of mental fortitude compared to winning their maiden trophy against the Punjab Kings in 2025.
Rajat Patidar's emotional dedication perfectly encapsulates the unique relationship between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and its supporters and his words will remain etched in folklore, marking the exact moment a hopeful anthem permanently transformed into a triumphant reality.
