Virat Kohli's fastest fifty in IPL history — off just 25 balls — powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a dominant five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, 31 May 2026, sealing back-to-back IPL titles. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls — nine fours and three sixes — his highest score in the IPL playoffs, as RCB chased down 156 with 12 balls to spare.

Kohli's Masterclass Sets the Tone

The chase began at a ferocious tempo. Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer tore into Gujarat Titans' new-ball attack, with Kohli unfurling wristy flicks and pulls against Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. RCB raced to 28 runs in just four overs, and the pair brought up the team's fifty inside 21 balls — the fastest fifty-partnership in an IPL final on record.

Iyer contributed a brisk 32 off 16 deliveries before holing out to mid-on off Siraj, despite battling a right knee niggle. Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply soon after, but by then the asking rate had been rendered irrelevant. Rajat Patidar joined Kohli and kept the tempo high before holing out to long-on off Rashid Khan, who also trapped Krunal Pandya lbw in the same over to give GT brief hope.

Kohli, however, was immovable. He reached his fifty — his IPL-fastest — by pulling Arshad Khan through short mid-wicket, even while visibly struggling with cramps in his right leg. A crucial reprieve came on 63 when replays showed the ball had touched the ground as Shubman Gill attempted a diving catch at mid-on. Kohli finished the chase in style, pulling Arshad into the gap before launching him over long-on for six to spark jubilant scenes in the RCB camp.

GT's Innings: Sundar Fights but Bowlers Keep Lid On

Washington Sundar's fighting unbeaten 50 gave Gujarat Titans a competitive total of 155/8 in 20 overs. Nishant Sindhu chipped in with 20. However, disciplined RCB bowling kept GT in check throughout. Rasikh Salam Dar was the standout with figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 2 for 29. Early strikes from Josh Hazlewood also helped restrict GT's scoring in the powerplay.

GT were also hampered by the scheduling grind — they played their third game at a third venue in six days, having arrived in Ahmedabad only on Saturday night due to inclement weather, which reportedly sapped their energy in the field.

Historic Achievement for RCB

The victory marks a watershed moment in RCB's history. Having claimed their maiden IPL title at this very venue in 2025, they have now become only the third franchise after Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to successfully defend the IPL title. The win also extends the streak of Qualifier 1 winners lifting the trophy to nine consecutive seasons.

Notably, Josh Hazlewood remains unbeaten in white-ball finals, and Krunal Pandya has now won every IPL final he has participated in. RCB also hold the rare distinction of simultaneously holding both the WPL and IPL titles. Both sides had entered the final seeking their second IPL crown, aiming to join the elite group of multiple-title winners — but it was RCB who emphatically made the cut.

Brief Scorecard

Gujarat Titans: 155/8 in 20 overs — Washington Sundar 50*, Nishant Sindhu 20; Rasikh Salam Dar 3-27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2-29.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 161/5 in 18 overs — Virat Kohli 75*, Venkatesh Iyer 32; Rashid Khan 2-25.

RCB won by five wickets.

With this triumph, RCB have cemented their place among the IPL's most storied franchises — and Kohli, once again, wrote the defining chapter on the sport's biggest domestic stage.