Royal Challengers Bengaluru claim successive IPL crowns with six-wicket win against Gujarat Titans

Chasing 156 for victory, RCB reached the target with 12 balls to spare as Kohli anchored the innings with 75 not out from 42 deliveries. His innings included nine boundaries and three sixes and ensured Bengaluru remained firmly on course throughout the chase.

The platform was laid by Venkatesh Iyer, who attacked from the outset and scored 32 off just 16 balls. His aggressive approach gave RCB early momentum before Gujarat struck back through Mohammed Siraj and Kagiso Rabada, who helped reduce the top order.

Rashid Khan briefly raised Gujarat's hopes when he removed Rajat Patidar and Hardik Pandya in the same over, but Kohli continued to dictate proceedings. Supported by Tim David, who contributed 24 from 17 balls, he added a vital 75-run partnership that effectively took the game away from the Titans.

Kohli brought up the fastest IPL half-century of his career, reaching the milestone in only 23 balls. Even after David's dismissal, there was little sign of a collapse, with Jitesh Sharma joining Kohli to guide Bengaluru home in an unbroken stand of 29 runs.

Earlier, Gujarat Titans struggled to build a substantial total after losing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan cheaply. Washington Sundar provided stability with a well-made 51 from 36 balls, while Arshad Khan chipped in with a quickfire 15 off six deliveries to add late momentum.

RCB's bowlers, however, kept the scoring under control. Rasikh Salam was the standout performer with figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 2 for 29. Krunal Pandya removed Jos Buttler with a pinpoint yorker and Josh Hazlewood also collected two wickets as Gujarat finished on 155.

The total never appeared enough against a confident Bengaluru batting line-up. Kohli's masterclass, backed by a disciplined bowling effort and strong contributions around him, sealed another title for RCB and confirmed their status as champions for a second successive season.

GUJARAT TITANS: Shubman Gill (capt), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler (wk), Jason Holder, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Nishant Sindhu, Kagiso Rabada, Arshad Khan, Mohammed Siraj.

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam.

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