Royal Challengers Bengaluru completed a transformation few franchises achieve when they lifted the Indian Premier League trophy for a second consecutive year on May 31, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
For years the club carried a reputation for falling short in decisive moments. That narrative shifted sharply after their breakthrough title in 2025 and hardened into something more durable with Sunday’s victory. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls, reaching his fastest IPL half-century in 25 deliveries before sealing the win with a six off Arshad Khan.
RCB restricted Gujarat to 155 for eight after winning the toss and opting to bowl. Rasikh Salam Dar took three for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood shared four wickets between them. Washington Sundar top-scored for the Titans with 50.
The franchise joined Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only teams to defend an IPL crown. Analysts point to a settled squad, disciplined bowling in the powerplay, and Kohli’s continued mastery of run chases as the pillars of this new competitive identity.
Rajat Patidar captained the side while Kohli received player-of-the-match honors. Venkatesh Iyer contributed 32 from 16 balls in a rapid opening stand, and Tim David added 24 before departing. The victory parade planned for Bengaluru is expected to draw massive crowds along MG Road and Koramangala, mirroring celebrations after the 2025 breakthrough.
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Sources:
https://www.cricketblog.in/ipl-2026/rcb-back-to-back-titles-new-era