RCB vs GT Final was a memorable chapter in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB comfortably won the match by 12 balls, chasing down the target of 156 runs with 161/5 in 18 overs.
Virat Kohli’s fantastic unbeaten 75 off 42 balls was the highlight of the final as he was named Player of the Match. His aggressive yet controlled innings helped RCB chase the target successfully and defend their IPL crown.
The final was a disappointing end to a brilliant campaign for Gujarat Titans. GT managed to score 155/8 in their 20 overs but RCB’s bowling attack ensured that they fell short of a par score before the Bengaluru batting unit took charge of the chase.
Last Match Details RCB vs GT
The ultimate of IPL 2026 was played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 31st May 2026. RCB won the hurl and captain Rajat Patidar chose to field to begin with and send the Gujarat Titans to bat.
Match Details
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Play | RCB vs GT Final |
| Tournament | IPL 2026 tournament |
| Date | 31 May 2026 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Gujarat Titans | 155/8 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 161/5 |
| Result | RCB wins by 5 wicks |
| Man of the Match | Virat Kohli |
| Virat Kohli’s innings | 75* off 42 balls – 75 runs off 42 balls |
The result guaranteed RCB kept the IPL trophy and got to be fair the third establishment after Chennai Super Lords and Mumbai Indians to effectively protect an IPL title.
GT 155/8 (20.0) Innings 1 Gujarat Titans
Gujarat Titans had a strong batting line-up entering the final, but could not build any momentum against RCB’s disciplined pace attack.
The RCB bowlers made full use of short-pitched deliveries and kept the GT batters on their toes. Six of Gujarat’s eight dismissals in the official IPL match report came from short-length deliveries, which is testament to how well Bengaluru bowled to their plan.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan were Gujarat’s first two wickets, falling early. RCB decided to go on the offensive and broke the back of the GT middle order rather than allowing the opening pair to settle down.
Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 50 proved to be the key contribution as Gujarat eventually managed 155 for 8 in their 20 overs. That brought up a total of 156 for RCB but it was never going to be enough as the Bengaluru batters were free scorers on that pitch.
RCB Bowling Statistics
RCB’s bowling unit is a lot credit for the final victory. Rasikh Dar was the best of the bowlers with three wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also played important roles with the ball. Their ability to get Gujarat’s top-order batters early meant GT couldn’t post the big totals you often need in an IPL final.
The short ball was particularly effective. RCB never let the Gujarat batters settle down and kept coming at them with balls that induced errors.
RCB’s Pursuit of 156 Runs
Chasing 156 in an IPL final can be huge pressure but RCB went after the target with confidence.
Bengaluru scored 161 for five in just 18 overs to win the match with two overs to spare.
The key difference between the two sides was the way in which RCB’s batters coped with the pressure. RCB attacked in the powerplay and set the tone early instead of letting the required run rate build.
RCB had a good powerplay start and reached 70 for 2.
Virat Kohli 75 Not Out Brilliant
The greatest person highlight of the RCB vs GT Last was without a doubt Virat Kohli’s match-winning innings.
Kohli finished up unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, blending timing with measured animosity. Within the innings he hit nine fours and three sixes additionally registered his speediest fifty within the IPL within the coordinate.
Kohli’s ability to absorb the pressure before accelerating was the difference. Once RCB got some momentum he kept on attacking the Gujarat bowlers and ensured that the required run rate never became an issue.
His performance was particularly important given it came just a year after RCB ended their long wait for an IPL title. Again, Kohli’s leadership by example was one of the defining stories of an RCB title campaign.
Venkatesh Iyer hits fast start
Kohli hogged the limelight but Venkatesh Iyer also played a key role in RCB’s chase.
Iyer smashed 32 off just 16 balls and RCB maintained an aggressive scoring rate in the initial part of the innings.
His quick scoring meant RCB weren’t too reliant on Kohli. Bengaluru’s platform was set by Iyer’s attacking approach and Kohli’s experience.
This was especially crucial in a final where early wickets can swing the momentum of a chase drastically. RCB avoided that situation by getting runs at a quick pace and keeping the required rate under control.
Rashid Khan gives Gujarat hope
The Gujarat Titans eventually lost the final but their bowling attack did show moments of resistance.
GT had an opportunity to put pressure on the chase with Rashid Khan chipping in with two wickets.
But the batting depth of RCB and the presence of Kohli meant Gujarat could not capitalise on those opportunities for a major comeback.
RCB were chasing 156 and could afford to take calculated risks. Even after losing wickets, the required run rate was under control.
How RCB Won the RCB vs GT Final
RCB won by five wickets, with several factors in their favour.
1. Great Use of the Short Ball
Gujarat’s batting line-up was effectively attacked by RCB’s bowlers. Six of GT’s eight wickets came from the short-ball tactic, which stunted their top order from taking charge.
2. Early Wickets
Getting the top guys out early from Gujarat was important. GT couldn’t build the kind of partnership that would have taken them toward a 180-plus score.
3. Powerplay Batting Strength
RCB were sitting pretty at 70 for 2 after the powerplay Before Gujarat’s spinners could apply sustained pressure, the chase was well under control.
4. Virat Kohli’s innings
The successful chase was built on an unbeaten 75 by Kohli. His experience in high pressure run chases proved useful.
5. Cool down
RCB didn’t panic after losing wickets. They kept rotating the strike and playing the right deliveries and eventually got to the target in the 18th over.
Final Scorecard RCB vs GT
The final score card was:
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 155/8 | 20 overs |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 161/5 | 18 overs |
Gujarat Titans – 155 for 8 in 20 overs
GT had struggled for consistency throughout their innings although Washington Sundar’s unbeaten fifty helped them reach a respectable total.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs.
RCB chased down the target of 156 with 12 balls to spare as they finished at 161/5.
The five-wicket win gave Bengaluru another IPL title and further cemented their place among the successful franchises in the league.
IPL Title for RCB Back-to-Back
The RCB vs GT Final was significant as it crowned RCB as the back-to-back IPL champions.
According to the official IPL match report, RCB became just the third franchise in the history of IPL to retain the title, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve that feat.
This is a huge turnaround for a franchise that has had its share of heartbreaking IPL campaigns.
RCB waited 17 seasons for the trophy for their first IPL title in 2025. They proved their one-off feat in the earlier season was not a fluke when they won the 2026 final against Gujarat.
RCB vs GT Final: What It Means For Both Franchises
The victory for RCB is a continuation of a new age of success. “You need to be consistent to win two IPLs in a row, you need a good squad and you need to be able to deliver under pressure.
This defeat will be a bitter pill for Gujarat Titans to digest, especially after a dominant campaign. But they played good enough cricket in the tournament to remain one of the top teams of the IPL.
The final also showed how tiny moments can decide a championship match. Gujarat needed a bigger total after being put in to bat, while RCB used their bowling advantage and then executed the chase well.
RCB vs GT Final: Best Moments
Here are some of the biggest moments from the match:
- RCB won by 5 wickets against GT.
- Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs.
- RCB chased down the target 161/5 in 18 overs.
- Virat Kohli made 75 not out off 42 balls.
- Player of the Match: Kohli
- Venkatesh Iyer slammed 32 runs in 16 balls.
- RCB’s Rasikh Dar took three wickets.
- GT’s Rashid Khan took two wickets.
- Gujarat’s Washington Sundar was not out on 50.
- RCB successfully defend their IPL title.
- RCB was the third team to win back-to-back IPL titles.
Final Word
The RCB vs GT Final will be remembered for the perfect combination of Bengaluru bowling discipline and Virat Kohli batting brilliance.
It was the biggest match of the tournament and the Gujarat Titans had an opportunity to put RCB under pressure early but despite a total of 155/8, it proved not enough. RCB’s bowlers kept the target in hand while their batters went after the chase with confidence.
Virat Kohli has once again proved why he is still one of the most reliable performers when the pressure is on. His unbeaten 75 not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also led RCB to another historic IPL championship.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are in a new phase of their IPL history and have back to back titles now. The RCB vs GT Final was not just another championship match – it was another statement that RCB has established itself as a real powerhouse of the modern IPL.
