Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte their 2026 IPL title win
A Historic Night in Ahmedabad
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have cemented their legacy in the annals of T20 cricket history by becoming only the third team to successfully defend their Indian Premier League crown. In a masterclass of clinical execution, Rajat Patidar’s side defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the very same venue where they lifted the trophy in 2025. This victory marks a dominant era for the franchise, showcasing their evolution into a powerhouse of consistency.
The Match Flow: Bowling Dominance
Choosing to bowl first on a surface that offered significant movement for the seamers, Patidar’s decision proved to be an inspired one. The Gujarat Titans, boasting a formidable lineup, were immediately rattled in the powerplay. The dangerous opening duo of Sai Sudharsan and captain Shubman Gill were dismissed early, effectively stifling any momentum the Titans hoped to build.
Despite a valiant effort from Washington Sundar, who scored a composed half-century to help the Titans post a respectable 155, the RCB bowling attack remained relentless. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood provided the initial pressure, while Rasikh Salam’s three-wicket haul broke the backbone of the GT middle order. The Titans struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined RCB bowling unit.
The Chase: Kohli’s Masterclass
Chasing a target of 156, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached the task with an aggressive intent that left their opponents reeling. The opening partnership of Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli set the tone, putting up 62 runs in just four-and-a-half overs. By the conclusion of the powerplay, the required run rate had plummeted, allowing RCB to control the tempo of the remainder of the game.
Although wickets fell sporadically at the other end, Virat Kohli remained the anchor of the innings. His unbeaten 75-run knock was a testament to his class, ensuring that the defending champions crossed the finish line with relative ease to claim their second consecutive trophy.
Global Tributes Pour In
Following the conclusion of the final, accolades for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru resonated far beyond the cricket fraternity. Among the most notable messages, Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte the result became official. Despite the personal disappointment of the loss, Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill displayed true sportsmanship, writing on his Instagram story: “Played bold, well deserved @royalchallengers.bengaluru.”
The admiration extended to the international stage as well, with England football captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane joining the chorus of praise. Kane, a known friend and admirer of Virat Kohli, celebrated the legendary batter’s performance and the team’s achievement. He posted to his followers, “What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru for making it back-to-back IPL titles.”
Legacy of the 2026 Season
Former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024, also took to social media to share his excitement. He expressed that he had predicted this outcome before the season even began, praising the completeness of the squad and the leadership of Rajat Patidar alongside the technical staff including Andy Flower and Mo Bobat.
The 2026 IPL campaign will be remembered as the season where RCB transitioned from a team of high expectations to a team of undeniable results. With a core group that thrives under pressure and global icons recognizing their dominance, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in modern cricket. As the dust settles on another sensational tournament, the focus turns to how this group will attempt to build an unprecedented dynasty in the years to come.
