The Times of India

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured their second consecutive IPL title. Captain Rajat Patidar expressed his disbelief and joy after the team's victory over Gujarat Titans. The bowlers set up the win by restricting GT to 155. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 anchored the chase. Patidar credited the team's bowlers and the support of senior players for the success.

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi etched his name in IPL history, becoming the first player to clinch five major individual awards in the 2026 season. Despite Rajasthan Royals missing the final, Sooryavanshi dominated, leading in runs with 776 and smashing a record 72 sixes. His stellar performance earned him the Orange Cap, MVP, Emerging Player, Super Striker, and Super Sixes awards.

Kohli, Ruthless Bowling Attack Power RCB To Consecutive IPL Crowns

A disappointing IPL final defeat was followed by a tense off-field scare for Gujarat Titans as a short circuit in the team bus left players stranded for nearly an hour. The incident capped a gruelling week of travel, weather disruptions and high-pressure knockout matches. GT lost the final by five wickets against RCB at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.

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Chasemaster Virat Kohli fulfilled a long-held dream by hitting the winning six to secure Royal Challengers Bengaluru's second IPL title. His unbeaten 75, featuring his fastest IPL fifty, guided RCB to a five-wicket victory. Kohli emphasised the team's strength and the fans' unwavering support as key to their championship success.

Every major RCB win in IPL 2026 featured a different hero. Sometimes it was Kohli. Sometimes Patidar. Sometimes Padikkal. Sometimes David. Sometimes Krunal. Sometimes Bhuvneshwar. Sometimes it was the bowlers operating as a collective unit. That was the defining characteristic of this championship side. The first IPL trophy ended one of the league's longest waits. The second confirmed something even more important. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are no longer a franchise chasing history. They may w

Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, despite Rajasthan Royals not reaching the IPL 2026 final, emerged as a standout performer. He clinched the Orange Cap with a record-breaking 776 runs at a staggering strike rate, alongside the MVP and Emerging Player awards. His humble admission of nervousness during the presentation charmed audiences, highlighting the young talent's remarkable season.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured the IPL 2026 title and a 20 crore prize. Gujarat Titans finished as runners-up, earning 13 crore. Rajasthan Royals received 7 crore for their third-place finish. Sunrisers Hyderabad took home 6.5 crore. The total prize pool for the four playoff teams was over 46.5 crore, concluding a successful season.

Virat Kohli's masterful unbeaten 75 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final. Kohli struck the winning six, securing RCB's second IPL title and igniting jubilant celebrations. His rapid half-century and calm anchoring of the chase proved decisive in the dramatic finale.

Kagiso Rabada secured the Purple Cap in IPL 2026, taking 29 wickets. Gujarat Titans fell in the final to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This marks Rabada's second Purple Cap. Bhuvneshwar Kumar of RCB was close behind with 28 wickets. Jofra Archer and Rashid Khan also featured in the top wicket-takers list. Anshul Kamboj emerged as a breakout performer.

Virat Kohli received a crucial lifeline in the IPL 2026 final. A diving catch by Shubman Gill was overturned after review. Kohli then played a match-winning unbeaten 75. Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target with 12 balls remaining. This victory secured their second consecutive IPL title. RCB bowlers had earlier restricted Gujarat Titans.

RCB's pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar exploited hard lengths to perfection, sharing seven wickets and dismantling the Gujarat Titans' batting line-up before restricting them to 155 for 8. For GT, Washington Sundar's 50 not out was the top score.

Virat Kohli delivered a match-winning performance in the IPL 2026 final, scoring his fastest-ever IPL half-century off 25 balls. His wife, Anushka Sharma, was seen giving him a standing ovation from the stands, celebrating his crucial knock that helped Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure back-to-back titles.

Virat Kohli produced a masterful unbeaten 75 after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) pace attack dismantled Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Rajat Patidar's men secured a second successive IPL title with a commanding five-wicket victory. Rajat Patidar also became only the third captain to have won back-to-back IPL titles after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.

Virat Kohli delivered a masterclass in the IPL 2026 final, smashing the fastest half-century of his career in just 25 balls. Despite a mid-innings collapse, Kohli's composed innings guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their chase of 156 against Gujarat Titans. His remarkable performance placed him among the fastest fifties in IPL final history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru shattered IPL final records, with Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer achieving the fastest team fifty in just 3.3 overs. This explosive start propelled RCB towards victory after their bowlers, led by Rasikh Salam's three wickets, restricted Gujarat Titans to 155 for 8. Washington Sundar's unbeaten 50 was the lone highlight for Gujarat.

In a pivotal IPL 2026 final moment, Krunal Pandya's astute bowling dismissed Jos Buttler, earning praise from Sachin Tendulkar. Pandya's clever delivery, anticipating Buttler's charge, proved crucial as Gujarat Titans faltered. This breakthrough, despite other bowlers' success, significantly impacted GT's struggle to post a competitive total against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar equalled Mohammed Shami's record of 17 powerplay wickets in a single IPL season during the IPL 2026 final. His crucial dismissal of Sai Sudharsan helped RCB put Gujarat Titans under pressure early in the match. This achievement further solidifies Bhuvneshwar's impact this season and places him in contention for the Purple Cap.

Star batter Virat Kohli's electrifying celebrations were a highlight in the IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru dominated Gujarat Titans early. Kohli's animated reactions to the dismissals of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, courtesy of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar respectively, showcased RCB's aggressive intent from the outset in Ahmedabad.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar was visibly frustrated after a controversial third-umpire decision spared Washington Sundar a crucial wicket in the IPL 2026 final. Despite a strong start by RCB, a mistimed pull shot by Sundar, seemingly caught by Jordan Cox, was ruled not out after replays showed uncertainty.

Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the IPL 2026 final's scheduling, suggesting a postponement due to Gujarat Titans' travel woes. Disruptions delayed their arrival in Ahmedabad, leaving them with less than 24 hours to prepare after an exhausting playoff run. Gavaskar believes a reserve day should have been utilized for a fairer contest.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old, has won the IPL 2026 Orange Cap. He scored 776 runs at an astonishing average and strike rate. Sooryavanshi broke records for most sixes and fastest to 1,000 runs. His dominance in the powerplay was also remarkable. This season redefined teenage potential in the IPL.

RCB captain Rajat Patidar opted to bowl first in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans, sparking debate on the toss advantage. Historically, batting first holds a slight edge in finals, with 10 wins to 8 for chasing teams. However, Patidar trusts his bowlers on a good batting surface, aiming for a win irrespective of past trends.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru opted to bowl first in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans. Skipper Rajat Patidar backed his team's strong chasing record on a batting-friendly pitch. Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill also admitted he would have batted first, highlighting the toss's favorable outcome for both sides. One change sees Arshad Khan replace Sai Kishore for GT.

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PSG won the trophy, Arsenal won the low block, and neutrals lost 120 minutes they may never emotionally recover from.

Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has urged Royal Challengers Bengaluru to drop Romario Shepherd for the IPL 2026 final, deeming his bowling a potential liability. He also advised RCB to retain Venkatesh Iyer. Srikkanth believes Gujarat Titans must dismiss Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar early to stand a chance.

Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty clinched their maiden Singapore Open title, ending a two-year wait for a trophy. The Indian duo staged a remarkable comeback, defeating Indonesia's Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri 18-21, 21-17, 21-16 in a thrilling final. This historic victory marks their first doubles title at the prestigious Singapore Open and their ninth World Tour crown.

Ruturaj Gaikwad returns to the India A squad for a Sri Lanka tri-series, replacing an injured Riyan Parag. Named vice-captain, Gaikwad aims to regain form after a subdued IPL 2026. This tour presents a vital opportunity for the opener to impress selectors and stake his claim for future national team call-ups.

Bhuvneshwar has played a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's run to the IPL 2026 final, taking 26 wickets in 15 matches. Ahead of Sunday's title clash against Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium, Tendulkar explained how the veteran seamer has adapted his approach this season.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, a 15-year-old from Rajasthan Royals, is set to be a major attraction at the IPL 2026 final. He has had an exceptional season, leading in runs and sixes. Sooryavanshi is expected to win multiple awards. His performance has redefined T20 batting possibilities. The final will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has advocated for significant IPL rule changes, including the removal of the Impact Player rule, which he believes heavily favors batters. Tendulkar also proposed a bowling powerplay and allowing one bowler to deliver five overs to restore game balance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru eyes back-to-back IPL titles, banking on Josh Hazlewood's incredible T20 finals record. The Australian pacer boasts a perfect five-from-five record in title deciders, consistently delivering crucial wickets and performances under immense pressure. Despite a mixed IPL 2026 season, Hazlewood remains RCB's key weapon against Gujarat Titans.

In a nail-biting conclusion to IPL 2026, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru face off against the formidable Gujarat Titans, two teams that have dominated the season with their impressive performances. With top-order hitters ready to set the stage ablaze and fast bowlers eager to claim wickets, the final at Ahmedabad promises a spectacle.

Soft-spoken away from the spotlight and measured in his demeanour, Rajat Patidar never fit the image of a franchise-defining superstar. Yet the injury replacement who once went unsold at auction became the captain who delivered RCB's maiden IPL title. Now, after another evolution in his leadership and batting, Patidar stands one victory away from achieving what only Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have managed.

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru's dominant Qualifier 1 win, former star AB de Villiers expressed concern over Gujarat Titans' formidable bowling attack heading into the IPL 2026 final. Both teams are chasing their second IPL crown, with RCB aiming to defend their title and GT seeking to add to their 2022 victory.

Virat Kohli's exceptional record against Gujarat Titans, boasting 503 runs at 71.85, continues to be a focal point as Royal Challengers Bengaluru face GT in the IPL 2026 final. Having already surpassed 600 runs this season, Kohli aims to extend his dominance in this crucial encounter.

Bengaluru Police have issued a stern advisory for the IPL 2026 final, urging fans to celebrate responsibly. Public gatherings, unauthorised LED screens, live screenings outside venues, firecrackers, bike rallies, and public intoxication are prohibited. Authorities emphasise cooperation to ensure safety and prevent disorder.

Bengaluru Police have issued a stern advisory for the IPL 2026 final, urging fans to celebrate responsibly following last year's tragic stampede. Public gatherings, unauthorized LED screens, live screenings outside venues, firecrackers, bike rallies, and public intoxication are prohibited. Authorities emphasize cooperation to ensure safety and prevent disorder.

Cameron Green's batting struggles persist as he was dismissed for a duck in the opening ODI against Pakistan, following a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders. Bought for a record Rs 25.20 crore, the Australian all-rounder failed to justify the hefty price tag, with teenage debutant Arafat Minhas claiming his wicket.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans clash in the IPL 2026 final. Key individual battles, including Sai Sudharsan vs. Jacob Duffy and Shubman Gill vs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, are poised to significantly influence the outcome of this high-stakes championship match.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Gujarat Titans in a thrilling IPL 2026 final. Both teams boast in-form captains, Rajat Patidar and Shubman Gill, and formidable batting line-ups. The contest promises a compelling clash of consistent teams, with RCB aiming for a second consecutive title and GT seeking to leverage home advantage.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad. RCB aims for a second consecutive title with their aggressive batting. Gujarat Titans relies on their top-order batsmen for success. Both teams have a history of strong performances at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The final promises an exciting contest between contrasting styles.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set for their fifth IPL final, aiming to defend their maiden 2025 title against Gujarat Titans. Having endured heartbreak in 2009, 2011, and 2016 finals, RCB finally tasted glory last year. A win now would secure their second championship and make them only the third team to successfully defend the IPL crown.

At Norway Chess Round 5, D Gukesh bounced back from his loss to Magnus Carlsen by defeating R Praggnanandhaa in a tense classical game, climbing to third place. In the women's event, Divya Deshmukh scored her first classical win, beating Zhu Jiner to become sole leader. Meanwhile, Carlsen suffered a third classical defeat, losing to Wesley So.