Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting talisman Virat Kohli opened up after the franchise secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31.
Kohli once again rose to the occasion on the biggest stage, remaining unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries as RCB chased down the target to complete a five-wicket victory. The veteran batter anchored the innings brilliantly and ensured his side crossed the finish line to successfully defend the title they won in 2025.
The victory marked another memorable chapter in RCB's history, with the Bengaluru-based franchise becoming one of the few teams to win back-to-back IPL trophies.
Virat Kohli reflects on RCB's championship-winning campaign
Speaking after the victory, Kohli admitted that the pressure surrounding the team felt different compared to last season and credited the squad's maturity, belief, and balance for the successful title defence.
The former RCB skipper said:
"I said it doesn't feel like there's same pressure as we had last year. We topped the table and said we're the best if we execute our plans. Just the skillset, composure and maturity we had showed. After the break, we had a loss and a close win vs MI. That was a tricky period, but the belief came back after that win. Amazing. We had to wait so long. You don't have to stand tall every time. There are guys in front, behind and around us. World-class bowling, Hoff, Bhuvi, Rasikh was amazing. We have balance, strength."
RCB secure second successive IPL title
Earlier in the match, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum after losing their top order cheaply. Sai Sudarshan managed 12 off 12 balls, skipper Shubman Gill scored 10 off eight deliveries, while Jos Buttler could only contribute 19 off 23. Washington Sundar emerged as GT's top scorer with a fighting 50 off 37 balls, helping the side post 155/9 in 20 overs.
For RCB, Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed two wickets and briefly moved to the top of the Purple Cap standings, while Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar picked up two and three wickets respectively. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a wicket as the Bengaluru bowlers delivered a disciplined performance in the summit clash.
Chasing 156, RCB got off to a flying start courtesy of openers Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. The pair stitched together a rapid 62-run stand in just 27 deliveries, putting Gujarat Titans under immediate pressure. Iyer played a blistering knock of 32 off 16 balls before departing, while Kohli anchored the chase from the other end.
The veteran batter remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries and fittingly sealed the victory with a six on the final ball of the 18th over. The win helped RCB successfully defend their crown and become only the third franchise in IPL history, after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, to win back-to-back titles.