Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte
A Historic Defense of the Crown
In a display of dominance that will be etched into Indian Premier League folklore, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially become the third team in the history of the tournament to successfully defend their title. Under the astute leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB claimed victory in the 2026 IPL final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—the very same venue where they lifted the trophy just one year prior.
The match against the Gujarat Titans was a masterclass in tactical execution. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first on a surface that offered assistance to the seamers, Patidar’s decision paid immediate dividends. The high-scoring potential of the Gujarat Titans was neutralized early, with both Sai Sudharsan and the skipper, Shubman Gill, dismissed within the powerplay. The middle order struggled to stabilize the innings, and despite a gritty half-century from Washington Sundar, the Titans were restricted to a total of 155 runs. For RCB, the bowling attack was clinical, led by Rasikh Salam, who claimed three crucial wickets, supported by two each from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Kohli’s Masterclass Seals the Deal
Chasing a modest target of 156, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached the challenge with relentless aggression. The opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli set the tone, racing to 62 runs in just 4.5 overs. By the time the powerplay concluded, the required run rate had plummeted, allowing the team to cruise toward the target. While wickets fell at the other end, Virat Kohli remained the anchor of the innings. His unbeaten 75 ensured that RCB crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand, cementing their status as the most formidable side in the competition.
Global Icons Join the Celebration
The magnitude of the victory reverberated beyond the borders of cricket, drawing praise from global sporting icons. Notably, Shubman Gill and Harry Kane congratulate RCB with special Instagram stories afte the match concluded. Despite being on the losing side, Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill displayed immense sportsmanship by posting a tribute to the winners on his social media platform, stating, “Played bold, well deserved @royalchallengers.bengaluru.”
Adding to the international fanfare, England football captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane also turned to Instagram to celebrate the achievement. Kane, who has maintained a well-documented friendship with Virat Kohli and a long-standing admiration for the RCB franchise, shared his excitement with his millions of followers. His message read: “What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru for making it back-to-back IPL titles.”
Reflecting on a Dominant Campaign
The praise for the franchise was widespread, with former RCB skipper Faf du Plessis expressing his joy on social media. Du Plessis, who led the team from 2022 to 2024, lauded the clinical nature of the squad, noting that they appeared to be the most complete team in the tournament from the very first day. He extended his congratulations to the leadership group, including Rajat Patidar, Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, and the talismanic Virat Kohli.
This victory signifies more than just a trophy; it marks the establishment of an RCB dynasty. Through tactical evolution and consistent individual brilliance, the Bengaluru-based outfit has proven that their championship run is no fluke. As the celebrations die down and the focus shifts to the future, one thing remains clear: the Royal Challengers have set a new benchmark for excellence in the IPL, earning the respect of peers, rivals, and global sporting legends alike.
