Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB Secures Back-to-Back IPL Titles
A Dynasty Reaffirmed in IPL 2026
The landscape of the Indian Premier League has a new hallmark of consistency. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have successfully defended their title, clinching the 2026 championship in a high-stakes final against the Gujarat Titans. The five-wicket victory was not just a win; it was a statement of intent from a franchise that has evolved into a well-oiled, tactical powerhouse.
Virat Kohli: A Vision of Calmness
Following the victory, Virat Kohli was quick to praise the maturity of his teammates. Reflecting on the campaign, the veteran star noted: Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’. He emphasized that the mental state of the squad felt fundamentally different from previous years. “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 remarked.
The Bengaluru captain pointed to the consistency shown throughout the league stage, where the team finished at the top of the table. According to Kohli, the belief system within the locker room was the catalyst for their sustained success. “If we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the comp. The maturity and the composure of the guys just shown through again tonight.”
Navigating the Tricky Path
The journey to the title was not without its hurdles. Kohli acknowledged that the post-break period featured a challenging stretch, including a loss and a narrow victory against the Mumbai Indians. However, that specific week proved to be a turning point. “As soon as we got that win against MI, the belief came back in, then we had a comprehensive win against KKR, and then yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals,” he explained.
What makes this iteration of RCB particularly dangerous is the depth of their roster. Kohli highlighted that he no longer feels the individual burden to carry the team, noting that the Man-of-the-Match awards were distributed generously throughout the group. From the world-class bowling unit featuring the likes of Hoff, Bhuv, and Duff to the tactical brilliance of Krunal Pandya and Rasik Dar, RCB possesses a balance that few teams can rival.
Krunal Pandya on the Sweetness of Success
For Krunal Pandya, the feeling of lifting another trophy remains as exhilarating as the first. Discussing the achievement, Pandya likened his five IPL titles to his children—each one is unique and equally cherished. “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,” he shared.
Pandya credited the behind-the-scenes work of the support staff, specifically citing the efforts of Mo Babat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, and Malolan Rangarajan. According to the all-rounder, the foundation of this victory was laid during the auction. “Sometimes you win half the battle in the auction and they did a pretty good job. Then eventually it was on us to go out and deliver.”
A Legacy for the Fans
The back-to-back triumph holds deep emotional significance, particularly after the long wait the franchise endured before their recent success. Pandya dedicated the win to the loyal RCB fanbase, who have traveled across the country to support the team. “All this wait of 18 years and then winning back-to-back trophies, this is for the RCB fans. And obviously for Virat as well, it is pretty special, right after the 18th and 19th seasons, having two trophies. It’s amazing.”
As the celebrations continue, one thing remains clear: RCB has moved past the era of uncertainty. With a balanced squad, a calm leadership group, and a clear tactical identity, they have established themselves as the team to beat in modern T20 cricket. The clinical nature of their final performance is likely just the beginning of a dominant chapter for the Bengaluru side.
