Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB secures second straight title
A Dynasty Cemented: RCB Defends IPL Crown
The landscape of the Indian Premier League changed significantly with the conclusion of the 2026 season. In a display of absolute dominance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets to claim their second consecutive title. The triumph was more than just a win; it was a testament to the maturity, tactical execution, and sheer depth of a squad that has redefined consistency in the modern era of T20 cricket.
As the celebrations unfolded, the atmosphere within the RCB camp was one of quiet confidence rather than surprise. Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of the franchise, was quick to address the media, reflecting on the team’s journey throughout the season. Reflecting on the final, Virat Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’, he remarked, capturing the essence of a side that refused to buckle under the weight of expectations. “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,” Kohli stated. “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 competition.”
The Path to Glory: Overcoming the Tricky Mid-Season
The road to back-to-back titles was not without its hurdles. Kohli acknowledged that the season had its testing moments, particularly following the mid-season break. “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,” he explained. However, the internal belief within the squad remained unshaken. The subsequent comprehensive win against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) served as a turning point, propelling them to the top of the table and into the finals with significant momentum.
The Strength of the Collective
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the 2026 RCB squad was its lack of reliance on any single individual. For Kohli, this shared responsibility was the hallmark of their success. “It’s been amazing. I mean, we had to wait for so long and then you know… just to have 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.”
The statistics support this sentiment, with numerous Man-of-the-Match awards distributed across the playing eleven throughout the tournament. Kohli highlighted the world-class contributions from the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the reliable spin-bowling expertise of Krunal Pandya. He also noted the emergence of Rasik Dar as a standout performer, emphasizing that the team’s balance was its greatest weapon.
Krunal Pandya on the Meaning of Success
For veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya, this victory held a unique significance. Having tasted success multiple times in his career, he equated the joy of an IPL title to personal milestones. “There’s no doubt about it, 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,” Pandya noted. His gratitude extended to the support staff, including Mo Babat, Andy Flower, and Dinesh Karthik, whose strategic work during the auction phase laid the foundation for a balanced and formidable roster.
Pandya also took a moment to dedicate the victory to the loyal RCB fanbase. “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, pretty special, right after the 18th and 19th season, having two trophies. It’s amazing.”
Looking Ahead
As the confetti settles and the players head home, the cricket world is left to admire a franchise that has seemingly cracked the code to IPL dominance. By prioritizing team structure, tactical composure, and the collective over individual glory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has set a high bar for the rest of the league. With a core group functioning in perfect harmony, the RCB dynasty looks set to remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
