Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Virat Kohli produced a vintage performance as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in Ahmedabad to claim back to back Indian Premier League titles. Kohli’s unbeaten 75 guided Bengaluru through a straightforward chase after a disciplined bowling display restricted Gujarat to 155 for eight in front of more than 90,000 spectators at Narendra Modi Stadium.
The victory delivered Bengaluru’s second consecutive championship after finally winning the franchise’s first title last season.
Kohli finished the match in style by launching the winning runs for six before celebrating with teammates rushing onto the field.
“Stuff you dream of. Thought of this moment many times, wanting to hit the winning run,” Kohli said after receiving player of the match honours.
“Felt really relaxed coming in.”
Kohli anchors another title winning chase
Bengaluru quickly established control of the chase through Kohli and fellow opener Venkatesh Iyer.
The pair combined for a rapid 62 run opening partnership that immediately shifted pressure onto Gujarat.
Iyer contributed 32 from only 16 deliveries before Mohammed Siraj finally made the breakthrough.
Kagiso Rabada removed Devdutt Padikkal soon afterwards while Rashid Khan briefly revived Gujarat hopes with two wickets in a single over.
Captain Rajat Patidar departed for 15 while Krunal Pandya also fell during the middle overs.
Despite those setbacks, Kohli remained calm.
Tim David provided important support with 24 runs during a 41 run partnership before Kohli guided Bengaluru home alongside Jitesh Sharma.
The 37 year old finished with nine boundaries and three sixes during a commanding 42 ball innings.
“The team we have gives confidence to see any kind of situation through,” Kohli said.
“We knew what kind of ability we have in the group.”
Australian stars help dismantle Gujarat batting lineup
While Kohli finished the job, Bengaluru’s bowlers created the platform.
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood played a major role alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam as Bengaluru’s pace attack consistently applied pressure.
Hazlewood removed Gujarat captain Shubman Gill early after Patidar completed an impressive running catch.
Kumar then dismissed Sai Sudharsan in the following over.
Both batters entered the final among the leading run scorers of the tournament but failed to make meaningful contributions.
Salam emerged as the standout performer with figures of three for 27.
Together, Bengaluru’s quick bowlers justified the decision to bowl first.
Only Washington Sundar managed to resist consistently.
The all rounder finished unbeaten on 50 after reaching his half century in the final over.
Gujarat struggles despite late resistance
Gujarat never fully recovered after losing early wickets.
Nishant Sindhu and Jos Buttler attempted to stabilise the innings but scoring remained difficult against disciplined bowling.
Salam removed Sindhu while Krunal Pandya dismissed Buttler for 19.
At 73 for four, Gujarat faced an uphill battle.
Wickets continued falling throughout the innings despite Sundar remaining unbeaten.
“We have apex predators but couldn’t get going in the powerplay,” Gujarat batting coach Matthew Hayden said.
“I thought it was an incredible bowling performance by RCB.”
Patidar joins exclusive captaincy group
Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar celebrated his 33rd birthday with another major achievement.
Patidar became only the third captain in IPL history to lead a team to consecutive titles.
MS Dhoni achieved the feat with Chennai Super Kings while Rohit Sharma accomplished it with Mumbai Indians.
“This year was more calm with the way we played throughout the tournament,” Patidar said.
“My way of captaincy is different. I am not expressive but aware of the game situations.”
Elsewhere, Rajasthan Royals teenager Vaibhav Sooryavanshi finished as the tournament’s leading run scorer with 776 runs.
The 15 year old also collected player of the tournament and emerging player honours.
For Bengaluru, however, the night belonged to Kohli and a team that has firmly established itself as the IPL benchmark.
