The IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans has gone down as the most-watched match in the tournament's history, capping off what officials are calling a record-breaking season on the broadcast front as well as on the field. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, lifted the trophy after beating Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, becoming only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to win back-to-back IPL titles.

RCB Wins Back-To-Back Crown

The final itself turned out to be fairly one-sided. Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, batted first and were restricted to 155 for 8. RCB chased the target down comfortably inside 18 overs, with Virat Kohli, who has featured in every IPL season since the league's inception, hitting the winning six to seal the title for his side.

Record Viewership Numbers

According to a release issued by broadcaster JioStar, the final alone reached across 400 million, or 40 crore, screens, making it the most-watched single match in the competition's run so far. The season overall recorded a watch time of 870 billion minutes, translating to roughly 87,000 crore minutes, a figure JioStar described as a season-high benchmark for the tournament.

JioStar Reports Growth Numbers

The broadcaster's statement said the IPL 2026 season pushed overall reach past 1.2 billion, marking a 7 percent rise compared with the previous year. JioStar attributed part of the growth to new storylines and standout individual performances through the season that kept audiences engaged, noting separately that watch time touched 870 billion minutes across the competition.

CEO Hails Platform Integration

JioStar CEO Ishan Chatterjee, commenting on the numbers, said the broadcaster had worked through the season to build what it sees as a genuinely integrated sports platform, where fans were not just watching matches but engaging with content in more personalised ways. He said connected TV viewing and regional-language coverage had turned into significant drivers of growth this season, adding that the results reflected efforts across the platform and would not have been possible without every screen, every interaction, and every moment meaningful for viewers, alongside what he termed the BCCI's steady partnership through the season.

Sooryavanshi Sweeps Top Awards

On the individual honours front, teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi had a standout season, sweeping nearly every major batting award on offer. The 15-year-old finished with 776 runs to claim the Orange Cap, becoming the youngest player to do so in IPL history. He was also named Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season, besides picking up awards for the most sixes, with a tournament-record 72, and the highest strike rate of the season.

Other Award Winners Named

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan was recognised for hitting the most fours through the season, while his teammate Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap after finishing with 29 wickets, the highest tally among bowlers in IPL 2026. Together, the individual honours rounded off a season that organisers and the broadcaster both described as one of the most competitive editions of the tournament in recent years.

With RCB's second straight title and the IPL's viewership numbers setting fresh benchmarks, attention will now shift to whether the franchise can extend its dominance into the next edition, even as broadcasters look to build on this season's reach heading into IPL 2027.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defended their Indian Premier League crown in style, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a low-scoring final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday evening. Chasing 156, RCB reached the target with 12 balls to spare, powered by Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 off 42 balls.

The victory marks RCB's second successive title, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise long associated with near-misses.

Kohli's Defining Knock

Kohli, often the heartbeat of RCB, delivered yet another big-stage performance. Coming in at a crucial juncture, he steadied the chase and accelerated when needed, striking nine fours and three sixes. His innings earned him Player of the Match honours. Captain Rajat Patidar and others provided solid support as RCB crossed the line comfortably despite a mid-innings wobble.

Bowlers Rasikh Salam and Bhuvneshwar Kumar earlier set the tone, restricting GT to 155/8. The pitch offered assistance to seamers, and RCB utilised it well.

Siraj's Graceful Gesture

In a heartwarming moment amid the rivalry, Mohammed Siraj, now with Gujarat Titans, publicly congratulated his former franchise. The pacer, who spent seven seasons with RCB before being released ahead of the mega auction, shared an Instagram story hailing the champions.

Despite the loss and his own heartbreak—captured in a later 'Breakdown' story with teammates—Siraj's gesture reflected the strong bonds formed during his Bengaluru years. Local fans appreciated the sportsmanship from the Hyderabad-born speedster.

"Asked Ourselves Question": Kohli's First Post

Hours after the final, Virat Kohli broke his social media silence with a heartfelt post. Sharing pictures with teammates including Jitesh Sharma, Rajat Patidar, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya, the star batter captioned it in a way that suggested reflection and resilience: "Asked ourselves question." The message resonated deeply with RCB supporters who had waited years for sustained success.

Celebrations and Cross-Sport Shoutouts

The win triggered widespread reactions. Former RCB stars Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers joined the party. Gayle posted "Back To Back 🏆🏆" with his trademark energy, even dancing Gangnam Style during the match. De Villiers shared a reel with the Kannada phrase "Ee saala 2x Naamdu" meaning "This year also ours," adding "rcb forever."

Anushka Sharma, Kohli's wife, shared a warm hug between her husband and Dinesh Karthik with the line, "One felt nice, we did it twice." English footballer Harry Kane also praised Kohli's impact in an Instagram story. David Warner singled out Bhuvneshwar Kumar, calling the veteran pacer a "legend" after his strong showing against his former side.

Krunal Pandya, who now has five IPL titles across franchises, playfully flaunted all five trophies with his fingers in a celebratory post.

Fans Go Berserk on Streets

Back home, celebrations turned wild. Videos from Mysore and parts of Tamil Nadu showed RCB fans spilling onto roads, dancing, bursting crackers, and even moving barricades in excitement. Traffic came to a halt in several localities as yellow-and-red jerseys dominated the night. Police maintained a watchful eye but largely allowed the joyous outpouring.

A New Chapter for RCB

This triumph cements a new era under Patidar's captaincy. The side has shed its previous tag of perennial underachievers. Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception, finally has back-to-back titles to show for his loyalty.

For Gujarat Titans, it was a disappointing end to an otherwise competitive season. Skipper Shubman Gill and his team will look to bounce back stronger next year.

As the dust settles on IPL 2026, RCB's success highlights the value of squad stability, tactical bowling, and match-winners like Kohli stepping up when it matters most. Bengaluru is expected to erupt in mega celebrations upon the team's return, with open bus parades already being speculated in fan circles.

The win not only brings silverware but also immense pride to a passionate fanbase that has stood by the team through thick and thin.

Virat Kohli’s career-fastest fifty guides RCB to consecutive titles as 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi rewrites tournament history.

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season drew to a historic close at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday night, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) securing back-to-back championship trophies after a clinical five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT).

Chasing a modest target of 156 on a big-match evening, Bengaluru rode on a vintage masterclass from Virat Kohli, who set the tone by smashing his fastest-ever IPL half-century off just 25 deliveries. The victory placed RCB into an elite circle of franchises, capping off a tournament that completely redefined modern statistical records in T20 cricket.

Patidar joins leadership elite

Under the calculated leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB successfully defended the crown they captured in 2025. With this feat, Patidar became only the third captain in the tournament's 19-year history to win consecutive titles, matching the historic captaincy records of MS Dhoni (2010–2011) and Rohit Sharma (2019–2020).

The win also establishes RCB as the fourth team to claim multiple IPL championships, trailing only Kolkata Knight Riders (3), Mumbai Indians (5), and Chennai Super Kings (5). Notably, both of Bengaluru's tournament final victories have now been achieved on the Ahmedabad turf.

Kohli delivers on biggest stage

Facing a disciplined but low-scoring total of 155/8 set by Gujarat, Kohli chose the summit clash to unleash his most aggressive opening intent of the season. Alongside Venkatesh Iyer (32 off 16 balls), Kohli spearheaded an onslaught that saw RCB record the fastest team fifty in an IPL final, reaching the milestone in a mere 3.3 overs.

Despite a brief middle-order collapse engineered by Rashid Khan, which saw RCB slip from 62/0 to 91/4, Kohli anchored the chase with complete poise. He remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, ending the contest with a signature six off Arshad Khan with 12 balls to spare.

Prodigy shatters Gayle's record

While Bengaluru walked away with the team silverware, the individual narrative of the 2026 season was utterly dominated by Rajasthan Royals' 15-year-old opening sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young left-hander concluded his campaign by claiming the prestigious Orange Cap, accumulating a staggering 776 runs.

In doing so, Sooryavanshi cleared the boundary ropes 72 times across the season, thoroughly eclipsing Chris Gayle’s 14-year-old league record of 59 sixes in a single edition. At just 15 years and 65 days old, he swept five major season honours, including the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Emerging Player awards.

Run scoring reaches new peak

Ground authorities and curators across the country faced an unprecedented batting evolution this summer. The tournament cumulatively produced 27,450 runs across all stages, confirming IPL 2026 as the highest-scoring cricket season on record.

A critical factor behind this aggregate was the sheer frequency of high-scoring chases. Teams successfully tracked down targets of 200 or more on 17 separate occasions this year, nearly doubling the previous record of 9 successful 200+ chases witnessed during the 2025 season.

Landmark Indian individual scores

The domestic contingent pushed boundary hitting to unprecedented territory during the league phase. Lucknow Super Giants' skipper KL Rahul entered the record books as the first Indian batsman to cross the 150-run milestone in an IPL innings, hammering an unbeaten 152 off 67 balls against Punjab Kings.

Rahul's knock surpassed the previous Indian record held by Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma (141 runs) and stands as the highest individual T20 score by an Indian batsman in any recognized commercial or domestic tournament.

Key Match Statistical Summary

RCB clinch back-to-back IPL titles in Ahmedabad; 15-year-old Suryavanshi steals the show with Orange Cap, MVP, and three more honours

Champions Again in Ahmedabad

Royal Challengers Bangalore are IPL champions for the second season running. In a final that kept Ahmedabad on edge, RCB overcame Gujarat Titans by five wickets to lift the trophy once more — a result that cements their standing as the most dominant side of recent seasons.

The win brought with it ₹20 crore in prize money, while runners-up Gujarat Titans walked away with ₹12.5 crore. Those figures look significant on paper. But they come with a striking footnote — the prize money RCB earned as champions is still less than what Virat Kohli alone took home in salary this season. Kohli's IPL 2026 retainer stood at ₹21 crore, a crore more than what the entire winning side received in winnings.

Suryavanshi's Historic Sweep

If the final belonged to RCB, the season belonged to one name above all others.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 15-year-old from Rajasthan, walked off the ground at the end of IPL 2026 with five individual awards in hand — a haul that no player his age, or anywhere near it, has managed in the tournament's history. He won the Orange Cap after accumulating 776 runs across the season, the most by any batter. He was also named Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, and Super Striker of the Season. In total, he picked up ₹40 lakh in prize money and a car.

On the bowling side, Gujarat Titans' Kagiso Rabada finished with the Purple Cap after claiming 29 wickets.

Youngest Orange Cap in IPL History

The numbers alone don't quite capture what Suryavanshi pulled off. At 15, he became the youngest player in IPL history to win the Orange Cap — an achievement that will sit in the record books regardless of what follows in his career.

The teenager was already among the tournament's most watched players heading into the season. By the end of it, he had cleared every expectation.

'Learned to Play Under Pressure'

When handed the Orange Cap on the night, Suryavanshi spoke with a composure that belied his age. He said he had spent the season learning to read situations and adjust, rather than attacking every delivery on instinct.

"This season I learned how to play in pressure matches," he said. "Also, how to change my game according to the situation. You cannot play every match in the same mode. You have to read the game situation and bat according to the need. I learned this deeply in the playoff matches."

It is the kind of reflection that tends to come from players a decade older. The playoff run, by his own account, was where the real education happened.

Eyes on a Long International Career

Suryavanshi was direct about where his focus lies beyond the IPL. Asked what he takes from this season, he spoke about fitness, longevity, and the demands of playing for India over a sustained period.

"I want to play cricket for a long time for my country and my team. For this, I will have to work a lot on my fitness and avoid injuries," he said. He added that he trusts his natural game above all else — and that when he sees a ball he can attack, he attacks it with full force.

He ended on a line that drew smiles from those around him. When probed further about his recovery routines and physical conditioning, he said with a grin: "Sir, I am not drinking milk right now."

IPL 2026 Individual Awards — Full List

• Orange Cap (Most Runs): Vaibhav Suryavanshi — 776 runs

• Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Kagiso Rabada — 29 wickets

• Most Valuable Player: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

• Emerging Player of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

• Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi

With RCB retaining the title and Suryavanshi already rewriting age-based benchmarks, the conversation heading into the next season will be less about whether he belongs at this level — and more about how far he can go.

Royal Challengers Bangalore clinched their second consecutive IPL title late Tuesday night, defeating Gujarat Titans by 4 wickets in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Captain Rajat Patidar, in an emotional post-match address, dedicated the victory to fans who lost their lives during a stampede at the team's championship roadshow in Bengaluru last year.

Victory Dedicated to Lost Fans

Patidar, 32, struggled to contain his emotions when asked about the 2025 incident that claimed multiple lives during the team's celebratory parade. "When you hear about such an incident, it's very sad," he told the host broadcaster. "On one side the team is celebrating, on the other side, fans lose their lives. They were not just fans, but part of the RCB family."

The stampede occurred in early 2025 when thousands had gathered along the city's MG Road to celebrate RCB's maiden title win. Local authorities had reported overcrowding as a primary factor.

 Kohli's Match-Winning Knock

Veteran batter Virat Kohli delivered when it mattered most. His unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries — featuring nine boundaries and three sixes — anchored RCB's chase of 156 against a formidable Gujarat bowling attack. The strike rate of 178.57 reflected his aggressive yet controlled approach under lights at the world's largest cricket stadium.

Patidar was quick to acknowledge the former captain's influence. "Kohli helped me with technical aspects related to batting. He constantly guided the young players," Patidar said. "Whenever I see Virat bhai, he is always present for the team. Young players may hesitate to approach him, but he himself takes the initiative."

 Karthik Praises Captain's Calm

Dinesh Karthik, RCB's batting coach and mentor, credited Patidar's temperament for the team's successful title defence. Speaking on JioHotstar's coverage, the veteran wicketkeeper noted: "Rajat has been a huge calming influence in a dressing room that is high-octane and high testosterone. He keeps things very calm, and that's so important."

"The only time Rajat is aggressive is when he's batting," Karthik added. "Other than that, he brings a very calm atmosphere and is happy for senior players to go front and centre. That's an important trait in a leader."

 Comparisons with Dhoni, Rohit

Former India wicketkeeper Saba Karim drew parallels between Patidar and two of IPL's most successful captains. "One of the biggest reasons behind RCB winning a second consecutive title has been clarity around individual roles," Karim said. "For someone without international experience, earning respect in a dressing room filled with world-class players — including Virat Kohli — is not easy."

Karim continued: "When we talk about captains who have led teams to consecutive titles, names like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma come up. I can see similarities in the way Rajat Patidar leads this team."

 Gill Admits Top Order Failure

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill offered no excuses after his side managed only 155 runs. "If we had reached 180-190, the contest could have been different," Gill said. "Losing early wickets broke our momentum. However, even after scoring 155, we were confident we could make a comeback by taking early wickets."

The defeat marks Gujarat's second runner-up finish in three seasons. For RCB, the victory caps a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that waited 17 years for its first title before winning back-to-back championships.

Gujarat Titans players and support staff escape safety scare as team bus suffers short circuit on way back to hotel

Sunday night went from bad to worse for the Gujarat Titans. Hours after suffering a disappointing five-wicket defeat in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the Gujarat squad endured an alarming ordeal on their way back to the team hotel in Ahmedabad.

According to reports from news agency PTI, the team bus carrying the Gujarat players and the support staff suffered a breakdown mid-road. A short circuit triggered a blaze, causing smoke to spread rapidly inside the vehicle.

Fortunately, all players and support staff were successfully evacuated on time, resulting in no major harm or injuries. However, the unexpected breakdown left the entire squad stranded on the roadside for nearly an hour late Sunday night before alternative logistics could be arranged.

Midnight Scare For Finalists

The incident occurred as the luxury coach was ferrying the team back from the Narendra Modi Stadium. Ground-level cues indicate that panic briefly ensued when thick smoke began filling the cabin. The team's logistics manager acted swiftly, halting the vehicle and ordering an immediate evacuation.

Local authorities confirmed that the situation was brought under control quickly, preventing what could have been a far more serious hazard. Photos and videos circulating on social media showed disgruntled players waiting on the pavement as technicians inspected the smoking rear portion of the bus.

Stranded On The Highway

Initial reports indicate that the franchise had to wait for nearly an hour in the humid Ahmedabad night before a replacement vehicle arrived. The team members, visibly exhausted from the high-octane summit clash, finally reached their hotel rooms well past midnight.

"The squad remained safe and unhurt despite the smoke spreading inside the bus," a source familiar with the matter said. "The logistics team quickly coordinated with local vendors to arrange an alternate bus to ferry them to their destination safely."

Compounding On-Field Plight

The alarming vehicle breakdown capped off a thoroughly taxing night for Shubman Gill's men. Earlier in the evening, the 2022 champions failed to defend their runner-up pride on the field, putting up a flop show with the bat against a disciplined RCB bowling unit.

GT’s star-studded top order fell like a pack of cards, with Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Jos Buttler all departing without crossing the 20-run mark. A mature, fighting half-century from Washington Sundar ($50^$ off 37 balls) eventually pushed the team to a modest $155/8$.

In response, RCB's chase maestro Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a masterclass $75^$ off 42 balls, wrapping up the game in the 18th over and sealing back-to-back crowns for the Bengaluru franchise.

Straining Travel Itinerary

The mechanical fault in the team bus highlighted a challenging 24-hour window for the franchise. Even before taking the field for the finale, the Titans were grappling with an exhausting playoff travel schedule, worsened by turbulent weather across north-western India.

After their Qualifier 1 loss, the team travelled from Dharamshala to Mullanpur on May 27, where they defeated Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday night. However, their scheduled chartered flight to Ahmedabad on Saturday was delayed by over three hours due to heavy rain in Chandigarh, forcing a late evening arrival.

No Excuses From Management

The logistical setbacks even forced the postponement of the official captains' pre-match photoshoot. Despite the visible exhaustion and the subsequent GT bus fire scare, the team management refused to point fingers at external factors.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gujarat’s Director of Cricket Vikram Solanki downplayed the role of fatigue in their final defeat.

 "The number of games in a short period of time is challenging. Of course it is, at the end of a campaign, but I'm not going to lean on that at all," Solanki stated. "The fact is that RCB have beaten us today... I don't want to take away from that by simply stating we're fatigued. That's not really what we're about."

With the season drawing to a dramatic close, the GT management is expected to conduct an internal review regarding both the on-field tactical failures and the off-field transport safety breach.

Rajasthan teenager becomes youngest Orange Cap winner; RCB's ₹20 crore prize money falls short of Kohli's own salary

A Night Ahmedabad Won't Forget

Royal Challengers Bangalore completed a remarkable back-to-back IPL title defence on Sunday night, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a high-stakes final at Ahmedabad. But if the trophy belonged to RCB, the evening's individual spotlight fell almost entirely on one 15-year-old from Rajasthan.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi walked away with five awards — Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season, and one additional honour — collecting ₹40 lakh in prize money and a car in the process. For a teenager still in school, it was the kind of night that tends to rewrite careers before they've properly begun.

Youngest to Lift the Orange Cap

Suryavanshi finished the season with 776 runs, making him the youngest player in IPL history to win the Orange Cap. The record had long been considered the domain of seasoned campaigners. That a 15-year-old broke it — and did so convincingly — underlines just how dramatically the tournament's competitive landscape has shifted.

His MVP award places him in elite company. Previous winners have almost always been established internationals. Suryavanshi now sits alongside them.

Rabada Claims Purple Cap

On the bowling front, Gujarat Titans' Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap with 29 wickets across the season — a tally that, on another year, might have drawn more attention. The South African pacer was Gujarat's standout performer, even as his side fell short in the final.

RCB's Prize Money: Less Than One Player's Salary

The numbers around RCB's championship earnings make for an interesting conversation. The franchise received ₹20 crore as winning prize money — a significant sum by any standard, except when placed next to the salary of their most celebrated player. Virat Kohli earned ₹21 crore for IPL 2026, meaning the champion team's prize pot was actually smaller than what their star batter took home individually.

Runners-up Gujarat Titans received ₹12.5 crore.

Patidar Enters Rare Company

RCB captain Rajat Patidar became only the third captain in IPL history to successfully defend the title, joining MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma in that exclusive bracket. It is a distinction that tends to age well.

The Road to Three

With two titles now, RCB trail Kolkata Knight Riders — three-time winners — by one. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings remain the benchmark at five each. RCB's consecutive triumphs suggest they are building towards that conversation, though the IPL has a habit of humbling teams that get ahead of themselves.

For now, the franchise and its long-suffering fanbase will take the moment. Two in a row is no accident.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League title on Sunday, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided the chase as RCB overhauled the target of 156 with two overs to spare, capping a memorable season.

The match, played on May 31, saw strong bowling from both sides before RCB's batting firepower and Kohli's experience sealed the deal. Gujarat Titans, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to accelerate and posted 155 for 8 in 20 overs. RCB's bowlers, led by Rasikh Salam Dar, kept a tight leash on the GT batters throughout.

Kohli-Gill Confrontation Steals Spotlight

One of the most talked-about moments came during the chase when Virat Kohli drove a delivery into the air towards mid-off. Shubman Gill dived forward to complete what looked like a sharp catch. Kohli immediately expressed doubts about the legality of the take, leading to an animated discussion between the two Indian stars. The third umpire was called in and ruled the catch invalid after replays showed the ball touching the grass. Kohli went on to celebrate the reprieve before continuing his match-winning knock.

Young Sooryavanshi's Respectful Gesture

Post-match, the focus shifted to the presentation ceremony where 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who swept multiple awards including Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season, greeted Kohli with folded hands. The RCB legend walked up for a warm conversation with the youngster, who had earlier received an autographed bat from Kohli this season. The respectful exchange between the veteran and the prodigy became an instant highlight.

Celebrations Erupt as RCB Lifts Trophy

After smashing the winning six, Kohli removed his pads and tossed them into the stands for delighted fans. He then raised his hands and blew kisses towards the VIP enclosure, where his wife Anushka Sharma was watching. The emotional gesture summed up the joy of back-to-back titles for the franchise.

In the dressing room area, Phil Salt poured a bucket of ice over head coach Andy Flower, who has now led RCB to consecutive championships. Mohammed Siraj's fiery send-off to Venkatesh Iyer after dismissing him also added to the competitive edge of the contest.

Other Key Moments from the Final

The game witnessed several close calls. A catch taken by substitute Jordan Cox to dismiss Washington Sundar was ruled out by the third umpire in the 10th over, as the ball was deemed to have touched the grass on landing. These tight decisions kept the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium on the edge throughout the evening.

Later in the night, as celebrations moved to the team hotel, videos emerged of Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya dancing together. Kohli and Anushka Sharma were also seen hitting the dance floor, soaking in the victory with teammates and family.

RCB's Dominant Season Comes Full Circle

This victory marks RCB's second straight IPL title, a significant achievement under Andy Flower's coaching. The team showed remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, with Kohli once again emerging as the anchor in big matches. Gujarat Titans fought hard but fell short in the final despite a competitive total.

Fans in Bengaluru and across the country erupted in joy as the news spread late on Sunday night. The win not only ends the 2026 season on a high but also strengthens RCB's legacy in the league.

With the auction and next season still months away, discussions have already begun about whether RCB can make it three in a row. For now, the focus remains on savouring this hard-fought triumph in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli's RCB seek back-to-back titles, Gill-led GT eye second crown at Narendra Modi Stadium

The Narendra Modi Stadium is set for a blockbuster Sunday evening as Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final. After 73 matches across two months, the trophy will find its owner by nightfall.

RCB arrived here as defending champions, having crushed Gujarat by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 just days ago. But the Titans clawed their way back, defeating Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 to set up a rematch that fans couldn't have scripted better.

A Rematch Seven Days in the Making

That Qualifier 1 victory was emphatic. RCB's batting fired in unison, their bowlers stuck to plans, and Gujarat had no answers. But teams rarely stay down for long in the IPL. The Titans showed their resilience in the second qualifier, and momentum can shift quickly in this format.

According to team sources, both camps have reviewed that heavy defeat and made tactical adjustments. Whether those changes work will become clear once the first ball is bowled at 7:30 PM IST.

Head-to-Head Edge Belongs to Bengaluru

Nine meetings across IPL history. Five wins for RCB, four for Gujarat. The numbers slightly favour the defending champions, but this season's head-to-head tells a more competitive story—RCB have won two, GT one.

That solitary Gujarat victory came right here at the Narendra Modi Stadium earlier this season. Both teams know what this venue demands. Batting first has worked 62 per cent of the time here in 2026, with an average first-innings score of 193.

Two Captains, Two Stories

Rajat Patidar has led RCB with calmness beyond his years. A second straight title would put him in elite company—only MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma have managed back-to-back IPL championships as captains.

Across the dugout, Shubman Gill walks in with 722 runs this season and a stunning century in Qualifier 2. The Prince has arrived, and a title on home turf would cement his legacy.

Key Battles That Could Decide the Final

Jason Holder against Virat Kohli is worth watching. The West Indies all-rounder has dismissed Kohli four times in IPL history while conceding at 9.11 per over. Kohli, however, strikes at nearly 152 against Holder. Something has to give.

Then there's Bhuvneshwar Kumar versus Gill. The RCB pacer has had the wood on Gujarat's captain—six dismissals in 14 innings, conceding at just 6.07 per over. Gill manages barely over a run a ball against Bhuvi. Early dominance here could shape the chase.

Bhuvneshwar has been exceptional this season with 26 wickets. Kagiso Rabada, his counterpart at Gujarat, has 28 in 16 matches. Both pace attacks will lean heavily on their leading men.

Weather Concern Lingers Over Ahmedabad

The India Meteorological Department has issued warnings for Gujarat region until June 4. Sunday evening's forecast shows temperatures around 33°C with 48 per cent humidity. No rain is predicted at toss time, but officials remain alert.

IPL 2023 finalists remember what happened here two years ago—heavy rainfall, persistent showers, even a hailstorm forced play to be suspended and pushed the match to a reserve day. No one wants a repeat.

Venue Holds Special Meaning for Both Sides

This is where RCB won their first and only title last year. The memories are fresh, the confidence real. But Gujarat also lifted their maiden trophy here in 2022. Both teams walk in knowing they have tasted glory on this very ground.

The match begins at 7:30 PM IST, with toss scheduled for 7 PM. Star Sports Network and JioHotstar will broadcast live.

Gujarat Titans Storm Into IPL 2026 Final With Seven-Wicket Rout of RR

Gujarat Titans are into the IPL 2026 final. On a charged Thursday evening at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, Shubman Gill produced one of the tournament's defining knocks — a 47-ball century — to guide his side to a seven-wicket win over the Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. The target of 215 was chased down with something to spare. Gujarat will now face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the summit clash.

A Chase for the History Books

It wasn't just the win — it was the manner of it. Gujarat's chase of 215 is now the biggest successful run chase in IPL playoff history, surpassing the 204 that Gujarat themselves had chased against Mumbai Indians in last year's Qualifier 2. Gill and Sai Sudharsan put on 167 runs together, their 11th century partnership in IPL cricket — a world record for any wicket in men's T20 cricket. They overtook the iconic Chris Gayle–Virat Kohli combination, which had managed 10 such stands.

Both batters also crossed 700 runs for the season during the chase, becoming only the third and fourth players ever to achieve that milestone in two separate IPL seasons. Gayle and Kohli hold the distinction before them.

Gill's Night, Gill's Stage

Gill was unstoppable. He reached his hundred in 47 deliveries and marked the moment with his signature bow celebration. Up in the stands, his father Lakhwinder Singh could barely contain himself — cameras caught him celebrating excitedly as his son reached three figures. It was Gill's second IPL century as captain, placing him third on the list of most tons scored by a captain in the competition's history, behind Virat Kohli's five.

The only blemish on GT's chase was a bizarre dismissal — Sai Sudharsan was out hit-wicket for the second match running. In the 13th over, a cut shot off Brijesh Sharma sent the bat flying onto the stumps. Gill watched on in visible disbelief. Sudharsan has now been dismissed hit-wicket three times in IPL cricket, equalling Andre Russell and Pakistan's Shoaib Malik for the most such dismissals in men's T20s.

Sooryavanshi's Bittersweet Evening

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was, in many ways, the story of the Rajasthan innings — and then of the aftermath. The 15-year-old had been in stunning touch, reaching 96 runs before holing out to third man off a delivery from Kagiso Rabada, missing what would have been a remarkable hundred. Earlier in the over, he had deposited a 153 km/h Rabada delivery clean over the bowler's head for six.

After the match, Sooryavanshi was seen in the dugout, visibly distraught — cap pulled over his face, trying to shield himself from the cameras as he wept. It was a raw, human moment that cut through the evening's cricketing spectacle.

Before that, he had also been at the centre of a charged exchange in the dugout. Captain Riyan Parag was seen in what appeared to be an animated discussion with the teenager after his dismissal, finger pointed, clearly expressing frustration. Sooryavanshi's expression said enough.

Toss Confusion and Rashid's Rough Night

The match had its share of oddities. The toss had to be held twice after the match referee failed to hear Parag's call clearly. The redo went Rajasthan's way, and they chose to bat. Gill, who had apparently won the first flip, was visibly irritated.

Rashid Khan had a night to forget. Donovan Ferreira punished him for four sixes in the final over as Rajasthan reached 214/6 — a total that, ultimately, Gujarat still managed to overhaul.

A Record That Belongs to a 15-Year-Old

For all the heartbreak, Sooryavanshi's IPL 2026 season ends on a statistical high that will likely be referenced for years. He became the fastest player to 1,000 IPL runs in terms of balls faced, reaching the milestone in just 440 deliveries — comfortably breaking Andre Russell's previous record of 545 balls.

Gujarat now head into the final against RCB, a rematch of sorts in terms of prestige. The date and venue are yet to be officially confirmed, but for Shubman Gill and his side, Thursday night belonged entirely to them.

Rajasthan Royals face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 at Mullanpur today, with 15-year-old Suryavanshi set to test his red-hot form against one of the tournament's most dangerous bowling attacks.

Teen Sensation in the Spotlight

When Rajasthan Royals walk out at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur this evening, all eyes — and there will be many — will be fixed on one player. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 15, has had a season that seems almost implausible for someone his age. In the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad just two days ago, the right-hander crunched 97 off a minimal number of deliveries, launching 12 sixes in an innings that left even seasoned commentators searching for comparisons.

Now comes the real test. Gujarat Titans await, with a bowling attack that has been the most formidable in IPL 2026 — Kagiso Rabada, Mohammad Siraj, Jason Holder, Prasidh Krishna, and Rashid Khan. Five bowlers. All dangerous. All gunning for one teenager.

Gujarat's Bowling Edge

There's no sugarcoating it — Gujarat's attack is the strongest remaining in the tournament. Rabada leads the side's wicket column with 26 scalps this season, while at least five Gujarat bowlers have crossed the 15-wicket mark. Siraj, who dismissed Suryavanshi on a short ball when the two sides met on May 9 in Jaipur, will be eager to repeat the trick. That Jaipur encounter ended in a 77-run win for Gujarat — a result that remains fresh in the Royals' dressing room.

That said, Suryavanshi's record against this same Gujarat unit in IPL 2026 tells a different story. Across three matches, he has accumulated 168 runs at a strike rate of 233.33, including one century. Fifteen fours, fifteen sixes. Rashid, Siraj and Prasidh have each removed him once — but the damage was done before those wickets fell.

Pitch and Weather Hanging Over the Game

The Mullanpur surface has consistently produced big scores in this season's playoff phase — all four previous matches at the venue saw totals exceed 200. Two were defended, two were chased. In the Eliminator itself, Rajasthan posted 243 and restricted Hyderabad to 196.

But the pitch on May 27 surprised a few people. Pacers collected 12 of the 18 wickets that fell, with Jofra Archer dismantling Hyderabad's top order through sheer pace and length. That could work against Suryavanshi tonight — but it is worth noting that Pat Cummins' pace attack had little effect on the youngster in that very match.

Then there is the weather. The Chandigarh Meteorological Centre has put a 60–70 per cent probability of rain in the New Chandigarh–Mohali region through the evening, with showers expected after the afternoon. No reserve day has been assigned for this Qualifier 2. If play is abandoned, Gujarat advance to the final on the basis of their superior league-stage standing — a significant advantage they carry simply by showing up.

Royals' Dependence Problem

Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag acknowledged after the Eliminator that his team left runs on the table in the death overs, suggesting they could have reached 260 on that pitch. It is a concern that will resurface today if Suryavanshi falls early. Yashasvi Jaiswal, despite his pedigree, has been overshadowed this season. Dhruv Jurel has chipped in from number three, and Suryavanshi himself leads the tournament's run-scorers with 680 — but the side's batting balance beyond that pairing looks fragile.

Jofra Archer, who has taken 24 wickets for the side this season, will be critical with the ball. How Royals manage the final six overs with the bat — where they stumbled against Hyderabad — could decide this match as much as anything Suryavanshi does at the top.

Gujarat's Own Vulnerabilities

Shubman Gill's side is not without cracks. In Qualifier 1 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their batting collapsed to 162 all out after the top three — Sai Sudharsan (652 runs this season), Gill (618) and Jos Buttler (498) — failed together. Against Bengaluru's bowlers, the middle and lower order found no answer.

Suryavanshi will be looking to put them in that situation again. One explosive opening stand could set the tone and put Gujarat's attack under pressure early.

Head-to-Head: Gujarat Hold the Edge

Gujarat lead the all-time head-to-head 7–3, and famously denied Rajasthan in the 2022 final. This season, both teams split their league encounters — Rajasthan winning by six wickets, Gujarat winning by 77 runs. It is as close to a coin flip as the numbers allow, though Mullanpur's conditions and the rain threat could tilt things in one direction before a ball is bowled.

The playoff picture of IPL 2026 has almost become clear after Friday’s high-scoring clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Hyderabad defeated Bengaluru by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, but despite the loss, Bengaluru managed to retain the top position in the points table due to their superior net run rate.

With this result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans have officially secured the top two positions in the league standings and will now face each other in Qualifier-1 on May 26 in Dharamshala. Both teams finished with 18 points, but Bengaluru stayed ahead with a stronger net run rate of +0.783 compared to Gujarat’s +0.695. The remaining playoff battle, however, has turned into a thrilling contest involving Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals, all still mathematically alive in the race for the fourth playoff spot.

Bengaluru Remain On Top Despite Defeat

Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the final league match aiming to seal the number one position and although they suffered a heavy defeat against Hyderabad, their earlier performances throughout the season helped them maintain the top spot. Bengaluru have been one of the most consistent sides in the tournament. Their strong batting lineup, led by experienced and young performers alike, delivered several crucial victories during the league stage. The bowling attack also performed well in pressure situations, allowing the franchise to secure a direct place in Qualifier-1.

Finishing inside the top two gives Bengaluru a massive advantage in the playoffs. Even if they lose Qualifier-1 against Gujarat Titans, they will still get another opportunity to reach the final through Qualifier-2. The team will now focus on correcting mistakes from the Hyderabad defeat before heading into the crucial knockout stage.

Gujarat Titans Continue Impressive Campaign

Gujarat Titans secured second place after defeating Chennai Super Kings earlier and maintaining an excellent net run rate throughout the tournament. Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat have looked balanced in both batting and bowling departments. Their consistency in winning crucial matches helped them stay among the top teams for most of the season.

The Titans have benefited greatly from the performances of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill at the top order. Their bowlers, especially Kagiso Rabada, have also delivered consistently under pressure. Gujarat now head into Qualifier-1 with confidence and momentum, hoping to secure a direct entry into the IPL 2026 final.

Hyderabad Finish Third After Dominant Win

Sunrisers Hyderabad produced one of the most explosive batting performances of the season against Bengaluru. The team posted 255 runs and later defended the total comfortably. With the victory, Hyderabad also reached 18 points but remained third because their net run rate of +0.524 stayed below Bengaluru and Gujarat.

Hyderabad needed a much larger victory margin against Bengaluru to enter the top two. The team required a win by at least 91 runs but managed to win by 55 runs only. Still, Hyderabad will enter the playoffs with strong momentum after defeating one of the tournament favorites in such dominant fashion.

Rajasthan Royals Hold Advantage In Fourth Spot Race

Among the teams fighting for the final playoff berth, Rajasthan Royals currently hold the strongest position. Rajasthan have 14 points and occupy fourth place in the standings. Their final league match against Mumbai Indians has now become extremely important. A victory in that match will guarantee Rajasthan a playoff berth without depending on other teams’ results.

The Royals have shown flashes of brilliance this season, but inconsistency in the middle phase of the tournament prevented them from securing qualification earlier. Now, with everything in their own hands, Rajasthan will aim to finish strongly and confirm their place in the knockout stage.

Punjab Kings Face Do-Or-Die Situation

Punjab Kings are currently fifth in the table with 13 points and face a must-win scenario against Lucknow Super Giants. Punjab began the season brilliantly but later suffered a dramatic collapse, losing six consecutive matches. Their playoff hopes now depend not only on beating Lucknow but also on results involving Rajasthan and Kolkata.

The team’s batting unit has struggled badly in recent matches, while bowling and fielding errors have further complicated their campaign. Despite the setbacks, Punjab still remain mathematically alive and will look to deliver one final push toward qualification.

Kolkata Knight Riders Still In Contention

Kolkata Knight Riders also remain in the playoff race with 13 points. However, their qualification chances depend heavily on other results. Kolkata must first defeat Delhi Capitals in their final league match and then hope Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings lose their remaining games.

The team has shown resilience throughout the season but inconsistent performances have kept them outside the top four for most of the tournament. Still, Kolkata fans will continue hoping for favorable results in the final round of league fixtures.

Delhi Capitals remain seventh in the standings with 12 points and possess the weakest qualification chances among the remaining contenders. Apart from defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by a huge margin, Delhi also require multiple results to go in their favor. Their poor net run rate of -0.871 has significantly damaged their playoff hopes. The franchise now faces an extremely difficult path toward qualification and will need nothing short of a miracle to enter the playoffs.

Mumbai, Chennai And Lucknow Eliminated

Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants have already been eliminated from playoff contention. For the first time in several seasons, Chennai and Mumbai both failed to remain competitive in the latter stages of the tournament. Lucknow too struggled with inconsistency throughout the campaign and eventually dropped to the bottom half of the table.

Orange Cap And Purple Cap Race Intensifies

The race for the Orange Cap remains highly competitive. Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan currently leads the chart with 638 runs this season. His teammate and captain Shubman Gill follows closely with 616 runs, making Gujarat the only team with two batters inside the top two run-scorers list. After scoring a brilliant 51-run innings against Bengaluru, Hyderabad’s Heinrich Klaasen moved to third position with 606 runs.

 In the Purple Cap standings, Bengaluru pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains on top with 24 wickets. Gujarat’s Kagiso Rabada also has 24 wickets but trails due to economy rate and other factors. Chennai Super Kings bowler Anshul Kamboj sits third with 21 wickets. With the playoffs approaching rapidly, both the Orange Cap and Purple Cap races are expected to become even more exciting.