Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB Retains IPL Title
A Historic Back-to-Back Triumph
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have etched their name into the history books once again, defeating the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final of IPL 2026 to successfully defend their title. This victory marks a period of unparalleled dominance for the franchise, solidifying their status as the premier side in the modern era of the competition.
Virat Kohli on the Team’s Mindset
Reflecting on the match and the season at large, star batter Virat Kohli was quick to praise the collective effort of his teammates. Discussing the team’s mental preparation, Kohli noted, Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’. He added, ‘I said to a few other boys that it doesn’t feel like the same pressure as last year. We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There’s a reason why we got here first and we just said one thing: if we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp.’
Kohli highlighted the journey, particularly the challenging phase after their mid-season loss. ‘Well, to be fair, after the break, we had one loss. And then we had a close win against MI. I’d say that week for us was a bit tricky because we wanted to finish at the top. But as soon as we got that win against MI, the belief came back in, then we had a comprehensive win against KKR, and then yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals.’
A Balanced Roster
One of the defining features of this RCB side is the lack of reliance on a single individual. Kohli expressed his immense satisfaction in playing within such a balanced unit. ‘It’s been amazing. I mean, we had a group of guys where you feel like when you are stepping on to the ground, you don’t need to be the one to step up every time. There is a guy behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you. We have so many Man-of-the-Match awards spread throughout the group as well.’
He pointed to the world-class bowling attack, featuring names like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasik Dar, as well as the all-round brilliance of Krunal Pandya. ‘I feel so happy to be playing in a group where we have balance, we have strength and we are an all-round strong team. That’s why we have the confidence we have on the field right now,’ Kohli remarked.
Krunal Pandya Reflects on the Glory
Krunal Pandya, a pivotal part of the championship-winning squad, echoed the sentiments of his captain regarding the significance of the achievement. ‘Every IPL trophy is special. It’s like having kids, you can’t pick one, it’s similar with IPL trophies because everything is so hard-earned. I’m grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it’s been special for me.’
Pandya credited the behind-the-scenes work for the team’s sustained excellence. ‘A lot of credit goes to the support staff – Mo Babat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, and Malolan Rangarajan – the way they prepared for the auction also last year and the way they set the team, the balance of it. Sometimes you win half the battle in the auction and they did a pretty good job.’
Looking toward the future and the fanbase, Pandya acknowledged the significance of the 18-year wait finally ending with consecutive titles. ‘All this wait of 18 years and then winning back-to-back trophies, this is for the RCB fans – wherever we have gone, they have supported us. And obviously for Virat as well, it is pretty special, right after the 18th and 19th season, having two trophies. It’s amazing.’
A Legacy Cemented
As the celebrations continue, the narrative remains clear: RCB has evolved from a team searching for their first title into a juggernaut capable of weathering any storm. With a blend of experience, tactical acumen from the coaching staff, and a culture of shared responsibility, the franchise has set a new benchmark for success in the Indian Premier League. The players, from veteran leaders like Kohli to essential contributors like Pandya, have proven that when plans are executed with precision, the results follow.
This back-to-back triumph is not just a statistical achievement; it is a testament to the belief installed within the squad. As they look ahead to future seasons, the foundation laid by this group will undoubtedly serve as a blueprint for sustained excellence in the years to come.
