Krunal Pandya and Rohit Sharma (Source: AFP)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their golden run in the IPL by winning their second consecutive title in IPL 2026. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets in the final at Ahmedabad.
RCB became only the third franchise after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) to win back-to-back IPL championships.
While Virat Kohli stole the spotlight with a match-winning innings in the final, all-rounder Krunal Pandya achieved a major personal milestone, replicating Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu's elite feat.
Virat Kohli Leads RCB To Another Memorable IPL Win
After being asked to field first, RCB's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in their 20 overs.
Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 50 off 37 balls, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs. However, GT struggled to build partnerships as RCB kept striking at regular intervals.
In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. The pair added 62 runs for the opening wicket, giving their side the perfect platform for the chase.
Although Gujarat Titans fought back through Rashid Khan and reduced RCB to 132/5, Kohli remained calm under pressure.
The former RCB captain produced one of the finest knocks of his IPL career, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls with nine fours and three sixes.
Krunal Pandya's Valuable Contributions In IPL 2026 For RCB
Krunal Pandya in IPL 2026 played a crucial role as an all-rounder, delivering key performances in key moments.
In 16 matches, Krunal scored 226 runs at an average of 37.66 and a strike rate of 145.80. He registered one half-century, with his highest score being 73. With the ball, he picked up 14 wickets at an average of 30.55 and a strike rate of 8.41.
One of his most memorable innings came against Mumbai Indians when he smashed 73 off 46 balls to keep RCB's playoff hopes alive. He also played a useful knock of 43 from 28 balls in Qualifier 1.
5th IPL Trophy Places Krunal Pandya Among League's Great Winners
RCB's title win also added another remarkable achievement to Krunal Pandya's career. The all-rounder now has five IPL trophies, having won three titles with Mumbai Indians before adding two consecutive championships with RCB.
His latest success places him among the most decorated players in IPL history. Only Rohit Sharma and Ambati Rayudu have won more IPL titles, with six trophies each.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Fans Abuse David Hussey For Tim David's Mistake
After RCB won the title, the players were seen celebrating with the trophy on the field. During the celebrations, Krunal Pandya caught everyone's attention with a funny gesture.
Krunal was seen showing the number five with his hand, seemingly referring to his five IPL trophies.
Interestingly, some of the RCB players, including Virat Kohli, were seen playfully stopping Krunal from showing the gesture.
Players With Five IPL Titles
Krunal Pandya now joins an elite list of players who have won five IPL championships. MS Dhoni stands out in this group, having led CSK to all five of his title victories as captain.
Hardik Pandya also owns five IPL trophies, including four with MI and one as captain of Gujarat Titans in 2022.
MI legends Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Aditya Tare are also members of the five-title club after being part of MI's dominant era between 2013 and 2020.
.jpg?type=mq "Virat Kohli Indirectly Fires Shots")
