In pursuit of 155 runs, Kohli remained unbeaten at 75, guiding Bengaluru across the finish line. RCB has now become the third team, following Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020), to successfully defend their IPL title.
RCB chose to bowl first after winning the toss and executed a solid performance to limit GT to a modest score on a pitch favorable for batting.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood each claimed two wickets, while Rasikh Salam Dar recorded three dismissals, preventing the home team from gaining any significant momentum in their innings.
Shubman Gill, who had scored a century in the last match, was dismissed for just 10 runs.
Washington Sundar emerged as GT’s top scorer, making 50 off 37 balls, but even his effort failed to deliver the impact needed for a competitive total.
RCB started the second innings with a strong opening, as Venkatesh Iyer and Kohli amassed around 60 runs, countering the threat posed by Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada with the new ball.
The visitors faced a tough period in the middle overs, with Siraj and Rabada dismissing both Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal in consecutive overs. Rashid Khan quickly accounted for Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya upon his introduction.
Nevertheless, Tim David helped stabilize the innings alongside Kohli, striking three fours and a six in his quickfire 24 off just 17 balls. Jitesh Sharma (11*) partnered with Kohli at the end, and the Indian star concluded the match in style, hitting Arshad Khan for a six over long on in the 18th over.
First Published: May 31, 2026 11:27 PM IST
