RCB’s Historic Back-to-Back IPL triumph: Rajat Patidar dedicates title to passionate fanbase ]

RCB’s Historic Back-to-Back IPL triumph: Rajat Patidar dedicates title to passionate fanbase ]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their first-ever back-to-back Indian Premier League titles, defeating the Gujarat Titans in the 2026 IPL finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As defending champions, RCB defied expectations by delivering a masterful performance to claim the coveted trophy.

In a tactical masterstroke, captain Rajat Patidar chose to bowl first after winning the toss, setting up a commanding 155-run advantage through disciplined bowling performances. The opening duo of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood laid the foundation, with Krunal Pandya orchestrating the middle-order pressure to bowl out the home side for just 155.

Chasing the target, RCB encountered early difficulties before Virat Kohli single-handedly dismantled Gujarat’s hopes. Kohli’s blistering 25-ball half-century—the fastest of his IPL career—demolished the opposition’s bowling attack and sealed victory with match-winning dominance.

During the presentation ceremony, Patidar emotionally dedicated the triumph to RCB’s devoted supporters, famously declaring: “This title belongs to our 12th Man Army. For years, they’ve chanted ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’. Today, I tell them: *Ee Sala Nu Cup Namdu* (This year, the cup is ours). This success honors their unwavering belief and energy.”

The victory marked a significant milestone for RCB, showcasing the team’s mental resilience in defending their championship title—a challenge Patidar acknowledged was far more demanding than winning their maiden IPL trophy in 2025 against the Punjab Kings.

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