Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB defend IPL title

A Dynasty Reaffirmed in IPL 2026

The landscape of the Indian Premier League has a new titan, and it resides in Bengaluru. In a display of tactical brilliance and unwavering composure, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final. This victory was not merely a win; it was a resounding statement that cemented their status as the league’s preeminent force, marking their second consecutive championship triumph.

The Mindset of a Champion

For Virat Kohli, the atmosphere surrounding this year’s final felt fundamentally different from the anxiety of previous campaigns. Reflecting on the journey, he noted that the group possessed an inherent confidence in their collective ability. Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ was the recurring theme of his post-match analysis, as he praised the maturity displayed by the entire squad under the high-pressure lights of the final.

Kohli emphasized that the team’s ability to remain calm was the byproduct of a well-executed plan. ‘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 comp.’ This systematic approach allowed RCB to navigate the complexities of the league stage and enter the playoffs with the momentum of a well-oiled machine.

Overcoming the Mid-Season Lull

No championship run is without its challenges. Kohli candidly discussed the pressure point of the season when the team faced a minor dip in form. Following a loss after a short break and a tense victory over the Mumbai Indians, the squad found itself in a precarious position. ‘That week for us was a bit tricky,’ Kohli admitted. However, the resilience of the group shone through when they secured a comprehensive win against KKR, re-establishing their dominance and securing the top spot on the league table.

A Collective Effort

One of the most striking aspects of the 2026 RCB squad is the depth of talent. Kohli expressed deep satisfaction in playing for a team where the responsibility of winning is shared rather than resting on the shoulders of one or two stars. ‘It’s been amazing,’ he said. ‘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 balance of the side has been a crucial factor. From the world-class bowling prowess of players like ‘Hoff,’ Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and ‘Duff,’ to the versatile contributions of Krunal Pandya and the emergence of Rasik Dar, every player contributed to the championship effort. This depth, combined with a balanced batting lineup, has fostered a culture of confidence that is visible every time they step onto the field.

Krunal Pandya: The Joy of Back-to-Back Success

For Krunal Pandya, the taste of victory remains as sweet as ever. Reflecting on his impressive haul of five IPL trophies over an 11-year career, Pandya remarked that every title is uniquely special. ‘It’s like having kids, you can’t pick [one], it’s similar with IPL trophies because everything is so hard-earned,’ he explained.

Pandya was quick to credit the support staff—including Mo Babat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, and Malolan Rangarajan—for their strategic foresight, particularly during the auction process. According to Pandya, the battle is often half-won in the auction room, where the balance of the team is established. He noted that the team’s ability to retain the trophy after an 18-year wait for their first success is a massive achievement for the passionate RCB fanbase.

The victory serves as a testament to the club’s evolution. As Kohli and his men look toward the future, the back-to-back titles stand as a milestone in the team’s history, proving that with the right combination of composure, skill, and team unity, even the longest droughts can be turned into a period of sustained dominance.