IPL 2026 Final Highlights: Royal Challengers Bengaluru continued their golden era in the Indian Premier League by successfully defending their crown and lifting the IPL 2026 trophy after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Led brilliantly by captain Rajat Patidar and inspired by an unbeaten match-winning knock from Virat Kohli, RCB chased down Gujarat’s total of 155/8 with two overs remaining, sealing their second consecutive IPL title and further cementing their place among the competition’s elite franchises.
The final showcased everything that makes the IPL special—high-pressure cricket, superstar performances, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments that will be remembered for years.
Gujarat Titans Fail to Capitalize in the Final
After losing the toss, Gujarat Titans were asked to bat first on a surface that offered assistance to fast bowlers early in the innings. RCB’s experienced pace attack immediately seized control.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan for 12, while Josh Hazlewood dismissed Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for just 10 runs. The early breakthroughs pushed Gujarat onto the back foot and prevented them from building momentum inside the powerplay.
Nishant Sindhu attempted to stabilize the innings with 20 runs from 18 deliveries, but RCB’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the middle overs.
Jos Buttler never looked fully comfortable and was eventually stumped for 19 after Krunal Pandya outfoxed him with a clever delivery.
The standout performer for Gujarat was Washington Sundar, who fought a lone battle and remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 balls. His innings included five boundaries and ensured Gujarat crossed the 150-run mark.
Late cameos from Mohammed Arshad Khan and Rashid Khan added valuable runs, but the Titans ultimately finished on 155/8, a total that appeared below par in a high-stakes final.
Rasikh Salam Delivers Career-Defining Spell
One of the biggest positives for Bengaluru was the performance of young pacer Rasikh Salam. The fast bowler produced a crucial spell of 3/27, removing Nishant Sindhu, Rahul Tewatia, and Rashid Khan at key moments.
Every time Gujarat looked ready to launch a recovery, Rasikh struck to break the momentum. His spell highlighted RCB’s excellent squad depth and reflected the team’s ability to trust young players on the biggest stage.
Alongside him, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each, while Krunal Pandya delivered an economical spell in the middle overs.
Venkatesh Iyer Sets the Tone for Bengaluru
Chasing 156 in an IPL final can often be tricky, but Venkatesh Iyer ensured RCB started positively. The aggressive opener blasted 32 runs from just 16 deliveries, smashing four boundaries and two sixes.
His attacking approach immediately shifted pressure onto Gujarat’s bowlers and gave Bengaluru the perfect platform. Although Mohammed Siraj eventually dismissed him, the damage had already been done as RCB raced ahead of the required run rate.
Virat Kohli Produces Another Final Masterclass
When Bengaluru needed a leader, Virat Kohli once again answered the call. The RCB superstar played one of the finest innings of IPL 2026, finishing unbeaten on 75 from just 42 deliveries.
His knock included nine boundaries and three sixes while maintaining a strike rate of 178.57. Kohli expertly balanced caution with aggression, ensuring RCB never lost control of the chase.
Even when wickets fell around him, he remained calm and focused, guiding the innings with remarkable maturity. His ability to absorb pressure and accelerate at the right moments proved decisive in the final.
For his outstanding performance, Kohli was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Tim David and Jitesh Sharma Finish the Job
While Kohli dominated the headlines, RCB also received important contributions from the lower middle order. Tim David scored a valuable 24 from 17 balls, striking crucial boundaries when Gujarat attempted to fight back.
Jitesh Sharma remained unbeaten on 11 and calmly partnered Kohli in the closing stages. Together, they ensured there were no late surprises as Bengaluru reached 161/5 in 18 overs.
Rajat Patidar’s Leadership Wins Praise
Rajat Patidar’s captaincy was one of the defining stories of IPL 2026. The RCB skipper revealed after the match that winning the IPL trophy as captain was beyond his wildest dreams.
Patidar praised the team’s bowling attack, crediting Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam, Krunal Pandya, Suyash Sharma, and Romario Shepherd for their consistency throughout the tournament.
He also acknowledged the influence of mentor Dinesh Karthik, whose guidance played a key role behind the scenes. Most importantly, Patidar highlighted the incredible support from RCB fans, claiming that every venue felt like a home ground during the season.
Shubman Gill Proud Despite Final Defeat
Although the Gujarat Titans fell short in the final, captain Shubman Gill remained proud of his team’s journey. Gill admitted that a score closer to 180 or 190 would have made the contest more competitive.
He pointed out that losing early wickets hurt Gujarat’s chances and allowed Bengaluru to control the game. However, he praised his bowling unit for their consistency throughout the tournament and emphasized that every campaign provides valuable lessons for future success.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Named Most Valuable Player
One of the most emotional moments of the awards ceremony came when teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of IPL 2026.
The youngster enjoyed a breakthrough season and became one of the tournament’s biggest stars. Speaking after receiving the award, Sooryavanshi emphasized the importance of adapting to match situations and continuing to improve his fitness.
He also credited teammates, coaches, and support staff for helping him express himself freely throughout the season. His MVP award further underlined his status as one of Indian cricket’s brightest young talents.
🏆 IPL 2026 Team Prize Money Payouts
| Finishing Position | Team | Final Prize Money |
| Champions | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | ₹20.00 crore |
| Runners-up | Gujarat Titans (GT) | ₹13.00 crore |
| 3rd Place (Qualifier 2 Loser) | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | ₹7.00 crore |
| 4th Place (Eliminator Loser) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | ₹6.50 crore |
🎖️ Individual Season Awards Ledger
The post-tournament awards night featured a historic, dominant sweep by Rajasthan Royals’ 15-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who claimed four major individual titles.
| Award Category | Winner Name | Reward & Cash Prize |
| Orange Cap (Most Runs) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (776 runs) | ₹10 lakh |
| Purple Cap (Most Wickets) | Kagiso Rabada (29 wickets) | ₹10 lakh |
| Most Valuable Player (MVP) | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (436.5 pts) | ₹15 lakh |
| Emerging Player of the Season | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | ₹10 lakh |
| Super Striker of the Season | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (237.31 SR) | ₹10 lakh + Tata SUV |
| Most Sixes Award | Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (72 sixes) | ₹10 lakh |
| Most Fours Award | Sai Sudharsan (75 fours) | ₹10 lakh |
| Catch of the Season | Manish Pandey | ₹10 lakh |
| Green Dot Balls Award | Mohammed Siraj | ₹10 lakh |
| Fairplay Award | Punjab Kings | ₹10 lakh |
Orange Cap Winner – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 776 runs
Orange Cap Winner: Virat Kohli (RCB)
Purple Cap Winner – Kagiso Rabada 29 Wickets
A New Dynasty in the IPL?
Back-to-back championships have transformed Royal Challengers Bengaluru from perennial contenders into a dominant force.
With Virat Kohli still performing at an elite level, Rajat Patidar thriving as captain, and a balanced squad packed with match-winners, RCB have built a team capable of sustaining success.
The IPL 2026 final was more than just a victory—it was a statement.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are no longer chasing greatness. They are defining it.