Dinesh Karthik calls RCB's IPL 2026 title defence an 'unbelievable feeling'
Synopsis
RCB are no longer the IPL's nearly-team. By defending their crown against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, they joined CSK and MI as the only franchises ever to go back-to-back. Mentor Dinesh Karthik's 'unbelievable feeling' line captures a 17-year emotional arc — and signals a clear dynasty-building intent under Rajat Patidar.
Key Takeaways
RCB defended their IPL title by beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium , Ahmedabad.
They became only the third franchise to defend the IPL crown, after CSK and MI .
Mentor Dinesh Karthik called it an 'unbelievable feeling' and credited the players' consistency.
Captain Rajat Patidar and Karthik share a birthday on 1 June , adding a personal note to the title win.
RCB had first won the IPL trophy at the same Ahmedabad venue in 2025 .
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has described the franchise's successful defence of its Indian Premier League (IPL) crown as an 'unbelievable feeling', crediting the players' consistency and skill for the back-to-back triumph. RCB beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday to retain the title they had first claimed at the same venue in 2025.
Karthik's reaction to the historic defence
Speaking in a video shared by the IPL on its social media handles on Wednesday, Karthik said the moment had taken time to sink in. 'One thing the plan and another thing the boys have to have skill and deliver it on the given day, which they have done so consistently, and we're so proud of the team,' he said.
'Absolutely ecstatic – we were dreaming something like this would happen, but when it does happen in reality, it hits you, and it's definitely an unbelievable feeling,' Karthik added.
Only the third team to defend the IPL crown
With this win, RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history to defend their title, joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in an elite club. The campaign was marked by senior players and emerging talents combining to absorb pressure across phases of the tournament.
A message for the fans
Karthik reserved special praise for the franchise's fan base, long known for staying loyal through lean years. 'Really happy for all the fans – they've been with us through thick and thin, and I'm happy that we're able to put smiles back on their faces,' he said.
'I think, for the whole journey, I'm not able to pinpoint one, because there have been different challenges from the start till the day we finished. As a backroom staff, we're proud of what we've achieved. But all credit to the boys for the way they went out there day in and day out, put in their first and made it happen,' he added.
A birthday to remember with Rajat Patidar
Karthik also celebrated the moment alongside captain Rajat Patidar, his 'birthday twin' — both turned a year older on 1 June. 'It's been as special as it can get – you don't get it too many times when you win an IPL on your birthday. So extremely happy. Every year is going to be different, though we'll give it everything we have for sure,' Karthik concluded.
RCB's next challenge will be navigating the auction cycle and squad refresh as they aim to push toward a possible three-peat in IPL 2027.
Point of View
Back-to-back titles are not just a sporting result — they are a brand reset. Karthik's emotion is genuine, but the more telling shift is structural: RCB finally has a core that performs in knockouts, not just in league games. Joining CSK and MI in the back-to-back club places them in a conversation about dynasties, not flukes. The harder test now is whether the management resists over-tinkering at the auction — the same mistake that cost them momentum in earlier eras.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did RCB defend their IPL 2026 title?
RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. It was the same venue where they had won their maiden IPL crown in 2025.
What did Dinesh Karthik say about RCB's title defence?
RCB mentor and batting coach Dinesh Karthik called the title defence an 'unbelievable feeling' and credited the players for delivering on skill consistently. He also thanked the fans for standing by the franchise 'through thick and thin'.
Which teams have defended the IPL title before RCB?
Only Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) had successfully defended an IPL title before RCB. With the 2026 win, RCB became just the third franchise in the league's history to do so.
Why was the win extra special for Karthik and Rajat Patidar?
Karthik and RCB captain Rajat Patidar share a birthday on 1 June, making the title win a shared personal milestone. Karthik said winning an IPL on your birthday is something that 'doesn't happen too many times'.
