IPL 2026: RCB Clinch Back-to-Back Titles, Kohli Shines in Epic Finale
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure their second straight IPL title in 2026, with Kohli's heroics and record-breaking performances defining a historic season.
Dumtika Editorial
May 31, 2026 · 2 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
RCB Make History: Back-to-Back Champions 🏆
Royal Challengers Bengaluru made history on May 31 in Ahmedabad, defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to clinch their second consecutive IPL title. Only CSK (2010, 2011) and MI (2019, 2020) had defended the title before. RCB are now the third team ever to achieve that feat.
From 18 years without a trophy to back-to-back champions. The dynasty is real.
Kohli: 675 Runs, Injured in the Final, Still Unbeatable
In his 19th IPL season, Kohli scored 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165, with 1 century and 5 fifties. In the final, hobbling with injury and unable to sprint, he hit his fastest-ever IPL fifty off 25 balls and finished unbeaten on 75 off 42 to seal the title.
Stat Attack: Among all 600-run club batters this IPL, only Sooryavanshi and Ishan Kishan scored faster than a 37-year-old Kohli.
Patidar's Qualifier 1 Masterclass
Facing GT in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala, Patidar scored an unbeaten 93 off 33 balls, the fastest 90-plus innings in IPL history, as RCB posted 254/5, the highest ever IPL playoff total. GT were bowled out for 162. RCB won by 92 runs and booked the final without breaking a sweat.
The Final in Brief
GT 155/8 vs RCB 161/5 | Ahmedabad | May 31, 2026
Rasikh Salam (3/27), Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar dismantled GT's batting. Washington Sundar's fighting 50 off 37 balls took GT to 155, but it was never enough. Kohli and Iyer reached the team fifty in just 3.3 overs, the fastest in IPL final history. Rashid Khan threatened with a double-wicket over but Kohli held firm to finish the job in 18 overs.
Rest of the Season: Key Storylines
Gill and Sudharsan became the first pair from the same team to both cross 700 runs in a single IPL season, a record across all 19 editions.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi posted the highest strike rate among all 600-run batters, announcing himself as the most exciting young talent in world cricket.
Kagiso Rabada dominated the Purple Cap race all season, taking wickets in the powerplay and at the death with equal ruthlessness.
By the Numbers
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final Score | GT 155/8 vs RCB 161/5 |
| Kohli Season Runs | 675, SR 165, Avg 56.25 |
| Patidar Q1 Innings | 93 off 33 (fastest 90+ in IPL history) |
| Highest Playoff Total Ever | 254/5 by RCB in Qualifier 1 |
| Consecutive Titles | 2 (2025 and 2026) |
RCB. Back-to-back. A prayer became a promise. A promise became a dynasty. 🏆
