Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final, becoming only the third team in tournament history to retain the championship.
Batting first, Gujarat Titans posted 155/8 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, RCB chased down the target comfortably, reaching 161/5 in 18 overs, thanks to a match-winning knock from Virat Kohli.
Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes. His composed innings guided RCB through a challenging phase after the team lost wickets in quick succession during the middle overs. Jitesh Sharma provided support at the end, remaining unbeaten on 11.
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Opening the innings alongside Kohli, impact substitute Venkatesh Iyer gave RCB a flying start. The pair added a brisk half-century partnership before Mohammed Siraj dismissed Iyer for 32 off 16 balls in the fifth over. RCB then suffered a mini-collapse, losing Devdutt Padikkal (1), captain Rajat Patidar (15), and Krunal Pandya (1), slipping to 91/4.
However, Kohli anchored the chase brilliantly, ensuring there were no further hiccups as RCB crossed the finish line with two overs to spare.
Following the historic triumph, RCB players erupted in celebration. The franchise shared a video on Instagram showing players dancing to the beats of dhol at the team hotel. Captain Rajat Patidar was among the most energetic performers, while the rest of the squad joined in the festivities to mark another memorable title-winning campaign.
The victory cements RCB’s place among the elite IPL franchises and highlights another remarkable chapter in Virat Kohli’s illustrious career.
