Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB Secures Back-to-Back IPL Titles
A Dynasty Defended: RCB Triumph in IPL 2026
The landscape of the Indian Premier League has shifted, and at its center remains the unstoppable force of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In a high-stakes final that tested the mettle of both sides, RCB emerged victorious over the Gujarat Titans, winning by five wickets to claim their second consecutive championship. For the Bengaluru camp, the victory was more than just a win; it was a testament to a long-term vision finally coming to fruition.
Virat Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’
Reflecting on the match, Virat Kohli was quick to credit the collective maturity of his squad. When asked about the pressure of defending a title, Kohli remarked, Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’. He emphasized that the group never felt the weight of history in the same way they might have in previous years. Instead, there was a quiet, unshakable belief in their own capabilities.
‘We knew what kind of ability we have in the group,’ Kohli stated. ‘We topped the table for a reason. We just told ourselves that if we stick to our cricket and execute our plans, we are the best team in the competition. The maturity and composure of the guys really shone through tonight.’
Kohli also highlighted the turning point of the season. After a brief stumble following the mid-tournament break, the team found their rhythm. ‘That week was a bit tricky because we were pushing to finish at the top, but once we secured that win against Mumbai Indians, the belief returned in full force. We followed that with a comprehensive win against KKR, and from there, we felt unstoppable heading into the finals.’
The Strength of a Balanced Squad
One of the most notable aspects of the 2026 RCB side is the lack of reliance on any single individual. Kohli expressed immense pride in the versatility of his teammates. ‘It has been an amazing journey,’ he noted. ‘You step onto the ground knowing you don’t have to be the one to step up every single time. There is always someone behind you, someone around you, who can win games of cricket. We’ve seen Man-of-the-Match awards spread throughout the entire group this season.’
The veteran batter pointed toward a bowling lineup that was truly world-class, mentioning the contributions of players like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasik Dar. He also praised the tactical intelligence of Krunal Pandya, noting that the team’s success is built on balance and depth. This all-around strength is precisely why the team walked onto the field with such profound confidence.
Krunal Pandya on the ‘Special’ Nature of Victory
For Krunal Pandya, securing another IPL trophy is a sensation that never loses its luster. Drawing a heartfelt comparison, Pandya remarked, ‘Every IPL trophy is special. It is like having kids—you cannot pick one. Every single one is hard-earned.’ Having secured five trophies in his 11-year career, Pandya understands the grit required to maintain such high standards.
He also took a moment to acknowledge the architects behind the scenes. ‘A lot of credit goes to the support staff. From Mo Babat and Andy Flower to Dinesh Karthik and Malolan Rangarajan, the way they prepared for the auction and structured this team was masterclass. They won half the battle there; the rest was on us to deliver on the field.’
Pandya concluded his thoughts by dedicating the victory to the loyal RCB fanbase. ‘All the wait of 18 years, and now winning back-to-back—this is for the fans who have supported us everywhere we’ve gone. And for Virat, to have two trophies right after the 18th and 19th seasons is an incredible legacy to build.’
As the celebrations continue in Bengaluru, the rest of the league is left to wonder how they will dismantle a team that has finally mastered the art of winning. For now, the Royal Challengers stand tall, comfortable in their status as the kings of the IPL.
