Published: Sunday, 31 May 2026, at 10:45 pm| Dubai|

RCB easily retained their crown in a completely one sided final match that lacked the usual T20 excitement. Let us dive straight into the match highlights to know more details about how the champions made the victory look so simple.

RCB Reclaims Glory: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Retain IPL Title With Dominant Win

How the high stakes championship match turned into an unexpected low scoring affair.

The grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad did not live up to the usual high scoring thriller expectations. In fact, many cricket enthusiasts might consider it one of the most quiet finals in IPL history.

After winning the toss, the Bengaluru put Gujarat Titans into bat, a decision that completely shifted the pressure onto the opposition from the very first over.

Gujarat’s Top Order Collapses Early

A look at how the main batting pillars of Gujarat failed to perform on the big stage.

Gujarat Titans usually rely heavily on their explosive top order batters to set up big totals on the scoreboard. However, the final pressure got the better of them as their key players failed to find any rhythm.

The heavy breakdown of their batting lineup is clear from their individual scores

• Shubman Gill: 10 runs off 8 balls
• Sai Sudharsan: 12 runs off 12 balls
• Jos Buttler: 19 runs off 23 balls

It was only due to Washington Sundar’s fighting knock of 50 runs from 37 balls that Gujarat managed to reach a respectable total of 155/8 in their 20 overs.

Clinical Bowling Display Restricts the Score

The exceptional bowling figures that kept the Gujarat batters completely quiet.

The bowling unit executed their plans perfectly, picking up wickets at regular intervals and maintaining a tight line. They never allowed the opposition to build any dangerous partnerships.

The standout performers with the ball were

• Rasikh Salam Dar: 3 wickets for 27 runs (4 overs)
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2 wickets for 29 runs (4 overs)
• Josh Hazlewood: 2 wickets for 37 runs (4 overs)

The Dream Start to the Chase

How the opening batters dismantled the target without facing any pressure.

Chasing a modest target of 156, the Bengaluru team played with absolute freedom and showed zero signs of big match nerves. Openers Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli gave the team a dream start.

Venkatesh Iyer played a blistering knock of 32 runs from just 16 balls, guiding the team scoreboard to a solid 62 runs in just 4.3 overs before getting caught by Rabada off Siraj.

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King Kohli Seals the Championship

Virat Kohli stays till the end to secure a comfortable five wicket victory.

Even though middle order batters like Devdutt Padikkal, skipper Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya fell without scoring big, the chase was never in danger. The main anchor was anchored safely at one end.

The final chase was successfully anchored by

• Virat Kohli: 75* runs off 42 balls
• Venkatesh Iyer: 32 runs off 16 balls
• Tim David: 24 runs off 17 balls

The team easily crossed the line in 18 overs with five wickets to spare, sparking massive celebrations in the dugout.

Gujarat Bowling Struggles to Defend

bowling statistics of the Titans as they tried to defend a small total.

Defending a small total against a set batting lineup was always going to be an uphill battle for the Gujarat bowlers. They lacked the teeth to trouble the opposition today.

The final bowling figures for Gujarat were

• Rashid Khan: 2 wickets for 25 runs (4 overs)
• Mohammed Siraj: 1 wicket for 36 runs (4 overs)

Conclusion

This dominant five wicket victory, RCB proved their supremacy once again by winning consecutive titles. It is a historic moment for the franchise and its millions of loyal fans as they proudly celebrate back to back championships.

FAQ

1: Who won the IPL final 2026?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the final match by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets to retain their title.

2: Who was the top scorer for RCB in the final?

Virat Kohli was the top scorer, guiding the team to victory with a brilliant unbeaten 75 runs off 42 balls.

3: What was Gujarat Titans’ total score in the final?

Gujarat Titans scored 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs after being put into bat first.

4: Who was the most successful bowler in the match?

Rasikh Salam Dar was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 27 runs in his 4 overs.

5: Where was the final match played?

The final was played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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