Kohli magic strikes again! RCB clinch back-to-back IPL titles by beating Gujarat Titans in thriller

Backed by a disciplined bowling performance, RCB restricted Gujarat Titans to 155 for eight in their 20 overs before chasing down the target of 161 with composure and authority.

Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the game’s finest, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, decorated with nine fours and three sixes. He also brought up his fastest IPL half-century in just 25 balls, anchoring the chase with trademark control and timing.

At the other end, Venkatesh Iyer provided solid support with a quick 32, as the duo added 62 runs for the opening wicket to give RCB a strong start in the pursuit.

However, RCB did suffer brief setbacks in the middle overs, with Devdutt Padikkal (1), skipper Rajat Patidar (15), and Krunal Pandya (1) falling cheaply. Tim David then steadied the innings alongside Kohli, adding 24 valuable runs to keep the chase on track.

After David’s dismissal by Arshad Khan, Jitesh Sharma (11) joined Kohli, and the duo ensured there were no further hiccups as RCB crossed the finish line comfortably with two overs remaining. Rashid Khan was the most effective bowler for Gujarat Titans, claiming two wickets.

Earlier in the evening, Gujarat Titans posted 155 for eight after a fighting innings led by Washington Sundar, who remained unbeaten on 50 off 37 balls. His knock helped recover the innings after early top-order collapse and a series of breakthroughs from RCB’s bowlers.

Gujarat’s innings began on a shaky note as Shubman Gill (10) and Sai Sudharsan (12) fell early, followed by quick dismissals of Nishant Sindhu (20) and Jos Buttler (19), leaving the side struggling at 73 for four.

Buttler’s dismissal came after Krunal Pandya outfoxed him with a cleverly bowled wide delivery, with Jitesh Sharma completing the stumping. Sundar then anchored the innings, capitalising on a crucial reprieve earlier in his knock to rebuild the Gujarat total.

Late cameos from Arshad Khan and Rashid Khan provided some momentum, while Sundar accelerated in the death overs to push the total past 150. RCB’s bowling attack was led by Rasikh Salam Dar, who picked up three wickets for 27 runs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took two wickets each. Krunal Pandya also played a key role with an economical spell and the important wicket of Buttler.