Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second consecutive IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans with a five-wicket victory in front of their enthusiastic fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli’s remarkable 75 off 42 balls, including a 25-ball fifty, led RCB to a successful chase of 156 runs, marking his highest score in the IPL playoffs.
Kohli’s aggressive innings, supported by Venkatesh Iyer’s quick 32, ensured RCB maintained control throughout the chase, securing back-to-back IPL crowns. This victory places RCB in an elite group alongside Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders as multiple-time champions.
With this win, RCB becomes the third team, after MI and CSK, to defend their IPL title successfully, extending the streak of Qualifier 1 winners claiming the trophy for nine seasons. The match also highlighted individual achievements, with Josh Hazlewood remaining unbeaten in white-ball finals and Krunal Pandya securing victories in every IPL final he has participated in.
Gujarat Titans, the 2022 champions, faced a tough challenge from RCB’s disciplined bowling attack and the strain of playing their third game at a third venue within six days. Despite Washington Sundar’s fighting fifty, RCB’s Rasikh Salam Dar and early strikes from Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar restricted GT to 155/8.
RCB’s chase was dominated by Kohli and Iyer’s aggressive start, with Kohli reaching his fifty in just 25 balls. The duo’s explosive partnership ensured RCB’s victory, with Kohli finishing the match in style by hitting a six to secure the title once again.
