RCB CLINCH SECOND CONSECUTIVE IPL TITLE

With its first title in 2025, Bengaluru became only the third side to win successive IPL titles. Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019 and 2020) previously achieved this feat. Kohli finished with 675 runs in 16 matches...

- BY VIKAS MISHRA

Cricket great Virat Kohli hit the winning six as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru retained its Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans.

Bengaluru reached 161-5 in 18 overs after winning the toss and restricting Gujarat to 155-8 in its 20 overs. Kohli smashed nine fours and three sixes in his 42-ball 75 not out. It was his sixth 50-plus score of the season and, along with Venkatesh Iyer’s 32 runs off 16 balls, helped Bengaluru make quick work of an under-par target.

“It is the stuff you dream of. I have thought of this moment many times, to win the IPL and stand here (unbeaten in the chase)," Kohli said. "The kind of team we have gives you confidence to face any situation. There is enough depth in our side. We had clarity - Venkatesh (Iyer), and I wanted to finish off the chase in the powerplay itself.”