RCB vs GT- IPl 2026 Final 31st May- RCB Crowned IPL 2026 Champions as Virat Kohli's Masterclass Sinks Gujarat Titans.

Gujarat Titans Struggle After Early Setbacks

After winning the toss and batting first, Gujarat Titans never really found momentum as RCB's disciplined bowling attack kept their powerful batting lineup under constant pressure.

The Titans suffered early blows when captain Shubman Gill departed for just 10 runs and opener Sai Sudharsan managed only 12. The scoreboard read 26/2 within the first four overs, putting GT on the back foot in the grand final .

Youngster Nishant Sindhu attempted to rebuild with a valuable 20 off 18 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler struggled to accelerate and scored 19 from 23 deliveries.

The standout performer for Gujarat was all-rounder Washington Sundar, who played a mature unbeaten knock of 50 from 37 balls. His innings included five boundaries and helped Gujarat reach a competitive total.

Late fireworks from Arshad Khan (15 off 6) and Rashid Khan (7 off 3) pushed the Titans to 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs.

Gujarat Titans Innings Highlights
Washington Sundar – 50* (37)
Nishant Sindhu – 20 (18)
Jos Buttler – 19 (23)
Arshad Khan – 15 (6)
RCB Bowlers Set Up the Final

RCB's bowling unit delivered when it mattered most.

Fast bowler Rasikh Salam emerged as the star performer with figures of 3/27 in four overs. He removed Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, and Rashid Khan at crucial stages.

Veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each, while Krunal Pandya chipped in with the wicket of Buttler.

Best Bowling Figures for RCB
Bowler Figures
Rasikh Salam 3/27
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29
Josh Hazlewood 2/37
Krunal Pandya 1/23
Virat Kohli Delivers on the Biggest Stage

Chasing 156, RCB got off to a flying start thanks to Venkatesh Iyer's explosive 32 from just 16 balls. His aggressive approach ensured the required run rate never became a concern.

After a couple of quick wickets, the responsibility fell on Virat Kohli, and the former India captain produced another unforgettable innings.

Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 from just 42 deliveries, smashing nine boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 178.57. His innings combined composure with controlled aggression, ensuring RCB stayed ahead throughout the chase.

Captain Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David's quick-fire 24 off 17 balls provided valuable support in the middle overs.

When Tim David departed at 132/5, Gujarat sensed an opportunity. However, Kohli and Jitesh Sharma calmly guided RCB home, finishing the chase at 161/5 in 18 overs.

Top Scorers for RCB
Virat Kohli – 75* (42)
Venkatesh Iyer – 32 (16)
Tim David – 24 (17)
Rajat Patidar – 15 (13)
Gujarat Bowlers Fight Hard

Despite defending a below-par total, Gujarat's bowlers produced moments of brilliance.

World-class spinner Rashid Khan was the pick of the attack with figures of 2/25, dismissing Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya.

Mohammed Siraj, Kagiso Rabada, and Arshad Khan picked up one wicket each, but Kohli's exceptional batting proved too difficult to contain.

Turning Points of the Match
1. Early Wickets of Gill and Sudharsan

RCB's bowlers removed Gujarat's two key batters inside four overs, restricting the Titans from building a strong foundation.

2. Rasikh Salam's Death-Over Spell

His three wickets prevented Gujarat from crossing the 170-run mark.

3. Kohli's Match-Winning Knock

The RCB superstar paced the chase perfectly and never allowed pressure to build.

4. Venkatesh Iyer's Aggressive Start

The left-hander's attacking 32 gave RCB early momentum and reduced scoreboard pressure.

Player of the Match

🏆 Virat Kohli (RCB)
75 runs off 42 balls*
9 Fours | 3 Sixes | Strike Rate 178.57

Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the greatest T20 batters, delivering a championship-winning performance on the biggest stage.

Final Scorecard

Gujarat Titans: 155/8 (20 Overs)
Washington Sundar 50*, Nishant Sindhu 20
Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 161/5 (18 Overs)
Virat Kohli 75*, Venkatesh Iyer 32
Rashid Khan 2/25

Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 5 wickets.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 Final belonged to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli. After years of chasing glory, RCB delivered a complete performance in Ahmedabad, combining disciplined bowling with a clinical run chase. Kohli's unbeaten 75 will be remembered as one of the defining innings of the season, while RCB fans celebrated a memorable championship triumph over a resilient Gujarat Titans side.