IPL 2026 Final

The 19th edition of the IPL belonged to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

RCB successfully defended the title they had won last year—their long-awaited first after years of being one of the finest yet unluckiest teams in the competition. This victory was not merely another trophy. It was the confirmation of a champion side that has finally learned how to convert promise into silverware.

At the vast Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with nearly one lakh ten thousand spectators filling the stands and millions more watching across television and digital platforms, the stage was set for a memorable final.

RCB won the toss and chose to field first.

Gujarat Titans, so composed and commanding against Rajasthan Royals in the first eliminator, could not find the same rhythm on the grandest evening. The pitch offered a sharp, tennis-ball-like bounce and GT never quite settled. Their innings struggled for momentum as pressure steadily mounted, and they finished with 155 runs from their 20 overs.

The chase began with authority.

Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli gave RCB the kind of powerplay start finals demand. Venki played with intent and confidence before falling in the fifties, leaving the game delicately balanced.

For a brief while, RCB seemed uncertain.

And then experience spoke.

Virat Kohli (75 from 42) did not chase headlines; he guided the innings. With maturity, composure and the calm of a man who has seen every shade of cricketing pressure, he steadied the ship and carried his side through when nerves threatened to take over.

Some titles are won through brilliance.

Others are defended through character.

RCB's second consecutive crown felt like both.

The King Slayers

Fight backs are the spirit that brings life back into the long franchise tournaments. On 18th March Saturday both the matches stood out for its spirit and valor. Earlier in the afternoon UPWarriorz became the King Slayers by defeating the undefeated Mumbai Indians. Later in the day, Sophie Devine of Royal Challengers did the impossible by scoring 99 runs in 36 ball helping her team chase a good score of 188 put by the resilient Gujarat Giants at the unpredictable D Y Patil pitch, walking straight into our hearts and millions of our home.

The Sophie Ecclestone who scored the winning six for UPZ hugging Deepti Sharma made the picture of the day; the bond between the national and international players makes a  franchisee team, The Team, and determines the winner; almost all the teams have achieved it now, some a lot quicker others taking their time. The professionalism and competitiveness of the international players are tremendous learning experience for our local players and for us the millions who are eagerly watching the matches on TV, thanks to WPL and BCCI for the platform and opportunity. 

Turn Around

Finally RCB won a match after their five straight defeat. Their star clubber Virat Kohli gave them an inspiring pep talk. "Not the result but how much have you given to the match, whether you have won five or lost five in the previous games doesn't matter. Have you given your 110% to today's match? If yes it will help you walk out with your head held high even in loss. "

International professional players may not need such talks they already know how to keep them charged. But the young fresh players took Virat's words to heart and came out fighting. Batting second when the senior players were back in the dug out freshers like Kanika Ahuja, Patil and already capped Ghosh won the match for RCB. 

Virat Kohli Speech. 

It was heart warming to see the senior players encouraging them, the sight of Schütt and Perry hugging the heroes of the D Y Patil when they came home running after the victory is a fond memory. 

Congratulations RCB, keep the momentum rolling.