Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets [1] to win the IPL 2026 final and defend their championship title [2].

This victory marks a historic milestone for the franchise, as RCB became only the third team in league history to win back-to-back IPL titles [2]. The result cements the team's current era of dominance and validates their strategic approach to the 2026 season.

The match took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad [2]. The Gujarat Titans batted first and were restricted to a total of 155/8 [1]. This modest score left the door open for a Bengaluru comeback, provided they could handle the pressure of a final.

Virat Kohli led the chase with a dominant performance. He scored 75 runs off 42 balls [1], remaining unbeaten to guide his team across the finish line. His innings provided the stability and aggression necessary to neutralize the Gujarat bowling attack.

By securing this trophy, RCB has successfully defended their crown for a second consecutive year [2]. The win was the result of a strong collective team performance, though Kohli's unbeaten effort served as the catalyst for the final victory [1].

“RCB became only the third team in league history to win back-to-back IPL titles”

The achievement of back-to-back titles elevates RCB into an elite group of franchises that have managed to maintain peak performance across multiple seasons. By defeating the Gujarat Titans in a high-pressure final, RCB demonstrates a level of psychological and tactical maturity that has historically been a hurdle for the team, signaling a potential shift in the long-term power dynamics of the IPL.