Virat Kohli's Masterclass Secures Back-to-Back IPL Titles for RCB
Virat Kohli amassed 4,188 runs in 117 T20 innings for India at an average of 48.69 between 2010 and 2024.
Indian Premier League Final, Ahmedabad
Gujarat Titans 155-8 (20 overs): Washington 50 (37); Dar 3-27
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161-5 (18 overs): Kohli 75* (42); Rashid 2-25
Virat Kohli's commanding unbeaten 75 propelled Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final, securing consecutive titles for the team.
RCB limited Gujarat to 155-8 and chased the target with 12 balls remaining, as Kohli recorded his fifth half-century of the season in a predominantly one-sided final held in Ahmedabad.
Kohli concluded the match emphatically by hitting the winning runs with a six, completing a superb 42-ball innings that included nine fours and three sixes.
The 37-year-old Indian cricket icon then gestured towards the stands as RCB players rushed onto the field to celebrate the triumph.
Kohli said RCB were the "best team in the comp" and praised a "clinical performance" by his team-mates as the secured their second IPL title having won it for the first time in 18 years in 2025.
"I said to a few of the boys that it doesn't feel like the same pressure as last year," Kohli said.
"We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There's a reason why we got here first.
"The skill sets we have, the maturity, the composure of the guys just shone through again."
RCB's pace bowlers laid the foundation for victory, with Rasikh Salam Dar delivering an impressive 3-27 in a disciplined bowling effort alongside seasoned campaigners Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who each claimed two wickets.
Only Washington Sundar offered significant resistance for Gujarat, scoring a resilient 50 not out, while England's Jos Buttler was dismissed for 19 via stumping.
King Kohli Reigns Supreme
The stadium was awash with Kohli's iconic number 18 jerseys as the former India captain once again rose to the occasion on the grandest stage.
Approaching his 38th birthday later this year, the player renowned for his chase mastery demonstrated his enduring prowess by recording his fastest IPL half-century.
Kohli and fellow opener Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32 from 16 balls, provided RCB with an ideal start through a swift 62-run opening partnership.
Mohammed Siraj broke the opening stand by dismissing Iyer, followed by Kagiso Rabada removing Devdutt Padikkal, providing Gujarat with an opportunity.
Rashid Khan then shifted momentum further towards the Titans by taking two wickets in a single over, dismissing captain Rajat Patidar for 15 and Krunal Pandya shortly after.
However, Kohli, who retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup, remained composed, forging a vital 41-run partnership with Tim David to stabilize the chase.
David contributed 24 runs before being dismissed, leaving Kohli to steer RCB to victory alongside Jitesh Sharma.
Kohli delivered the iconic finish that many in the stadium anticipated, smashing Arshad Khan over long-on for a six.
"I feel so happy to play in a group where we have balance, we have strength," Kohli added.
"We are an all-round strong team. And that's why we have the confidence we have on the field right now."
