RCB vs GT: RCB Defeated GT By 5 Wickets in IPL 2026 Match Final On 31.5.2026

RCB vs GT: RCB defeated  GT  by 5 wickets

The IPL 2026 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was an absolute thriller that saw the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), successfully defend their crown by defeating the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 5 wickets in a tense, final-over finish.  

​Here is a brief note on the key highlights of the grand finale:

​First Innings: Gujarat Titans Set the Target

​Top-Order Collapse: Choosing to bat first on their home ground, the Gujarat Titans got off to a rocky start. Skipper Shubman Gill (10) and Jos Buttler (19) were dismissed cheaply under pressure from RCB's disciplined bowling.  

​The Pacer Impact: RCB’s pace attack executed a masterclass in short-ball bowling. Rasikh Salam turned out to be the standout bowler, dismantling GT's middle order with stellar figures of 3/27.  

​Sundar's Lone Fight: With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, all-rounder Washington Sundar stepped up as the lone warrior for the Titans. He smashed a fighting 50 off 37 balls*, pushing GT to a respectable fighting total of 155/8 in their 20 overs.  

​Second Innings: The Chase & The Kohli Show

​Aggressive Start: Chasing 156, RCB's intent was clear from the get-go. Despite GT trying to claw their way back with timely wickets, the chase was firmly anchored by one man.

​Vintage King Kohli: Virat Kohli played a sensational, match-defining innings. He brought up a blazing 25-ball half-century, keeping the run-rate in check and absorbing all the pressure of the big final.  

​The Dramatic Finish: The match stretched into the 18th over, with GT bowler Arshad Khan trying to defend the remaining runs despite suffering from visible leg cramps. With just a few runs needed, Kohli brought the scores level with a powerful four.  

​The Winning Moment: On the final ball of the 18th over, Virat Kohli finished it in signature style, launching Arshad Khan over the ropes for a massive SIX to seal a 5-wicket victory.  

​Summary

​With this victory, RCB secured their second consecutive IPL title (adding to their maiden trophy won in 2025). Virat Kohli was once again the hero of the night, staying unbeaten until the very end to guide his team across the finish line in front of a packed Ahmedabad crowd.  

Following the conclusion of the grand finale at Ahmedabad, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and tournament sponsors presented the major team and individual awards for the IPL 2026 season.

​Here is the breakdown of the official prize money and major award winners from the presentation ceremony:

​Team & Financial Rewards

​IPL 2026 Champions (Royal Challengers Bengaluru): Received the prestigious IPL Trophy and ₹20 Crore in prize money.  

​Runners-Up (Gujarat Titans): Awarded ₹13 Crore for their spectacular run to the final.  

​Third Place (Rajasthan Royals): Received ₹7 Crore (eliminated in Qualifier 2).  

​Fourth Place: Received ₹6.5 Crore (eliminated in the Eliminator).  

​Major Individual Season Awards

​The Purple Cap (Highest Wicket-Taker): Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) officially sealed the Purple Cap for the season, finishing at the top of the bowling charts with an incredible 29 wickets from 17 matches.  

​The Orange Cap (Highest Run-Scorer): Vaibhav Sooryavanshi held onto his lead to claim the Orange Cap after an extraordinary breakthrough season, finishing with 776 runs despite strong late surges from Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan.  

​Match-Specific Honors (IPL Final)

​Player of the Match (Final): Virat Kohli (RCB) for his masterful, unbeaten half-century that completely anchored the 156-run chase and sealed the championship with a winning six.

​Best Bowling Figures (Final): Rasikh Salam (RCB) for his brilliant spell of short-ball bowling that tore through GT's middle-order, finishing with figures of 3/27.