Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB Retains IPL Title
A Dynasty Reaffirmed in the IPL 2026 Final
The stage was set for a dramatic showdown at the IPL 2026 final, but for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it was just another day at the office. By defeating the Gujarat Titans by five wickets, RCB did more than just win a match; they solidified their status as the modern dynasty of the Indian Premier League. The victory was a testament to the growth, composure, and tactical brilliance of a franchise that has evolved from a team reliant on individual brilliance to a collective powerhouse.
Virat Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’
Reflecting on the journey that led to this historic back-to-back triumph, talismanic batter Virat Kohli was quick to praise the maturity of his squad. In his post-match assessment, Kohli noted, “Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’.” He elaborated on the mindset that permeated the dressing room, explaining that the pressure of the previous year felt vastly different this time around.
“We knew what kind of ability we have in the group,” Kohli remarked. “We topped the table. There is 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 skill sets we have, the maturity, and the composure of the guys just shown through again tonight.”
Navigating the Challenges of a Long Season
The road to the championship was not without its hurdles. Kohli acknowledged that there were tricky moments during the group stages. “After the break, we had one loss, followed by a close win against Mumbai Indians. That week was a bit testing, but as soon as we secured that win against MI, the belief returned in full force. We followed it up with a comprehensive victory against KKR and maintained that momentum all the way to the finals,” he added.
For Kohli, the joy of this season stems from the reduced burden on himself. He no longer feels the need to carry the team alone. “It has been amazing. When you step onto the ground, you don’t feel like you need to be the one to step up every single time. There is a teammate behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you. We have so many Man-of-the-Match awards spread throughout the group.”
A Balanced Powerhouse
Kohli was quick to highlight the depth of the squad. With world-class bowlers like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the reliable Rasik Dar leading the attack, RCB possessed a bowling unit that could be banked upon under pressure. Furthermore, the tactical versatility of Krunal Pandya provided the team with an edge that most other sides simply could not match. “I feel so happy to be playing in a group where we have balance, strength, and an all-around solid identity,” said Kohli.
Krunal Pandya on the Sweetness of Success
Adding to the sentiment, veteran all-rounder Krunal Pandya described the victory as a career milestone. “Every IPL trophy is special. It is like having kids; you cannot pick one. Every title is hard-earned, and to have five trophies in 11 years is incredibly special for me,” Pandya shared.
Pandya credited the support staff, including Mo Babat, Andy Flower, and Dinesh Karthik, for the team’s sustained success. “A lot of credit goes to the support staff. They did a fantastic job at the auction, setting the team balance. You win half the battle at the auction table, and they provided us with the perfect foundation. It was then up to us to deliver on the field. Winning back-to-back trophies is a tribute to the 18 years of patience shown by the RCB fans. They have supported us wherever we have gone, and this win is for them.”
As the celebrations continue, one thing is certain: RCB has set a new benchmark for consistency. With a blend of seasoned veterans and clinical execution, they have proven that their success is not a matter of luck, but the result of a meticulously crafted team culture.
