The IPL 2026 season concluded in grand fashion on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their title with a commanding victory over Gujarat Titans (GT). The highly anticipated final saw Rajat Patidar’s men produce another clinical performance on the biggest stage of the tournament.

After opting to bowl first, RCB’s disciplined bowling attack restricted GT to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs. Chasing 156 for victory, the defending champions showcased their batting depth and composure, reaching the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare. Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion, guiding the chase with an unbeaten 75 and helping RCB become only the third franchise in IPL history to win consecutive titles. As celebrations erupted across the cricketing world, one congratulatory message from a global sporting icon quickly caught the attention of fans.

Harry Kane congratulates Virat Kohli and RCB after IPL 2026 final

England football captain Harry Kane joined the chorus of praise following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning triumph. Taking to his Instagram Stories shortly after the final, the Bayern Munich striker applauded both Kohli and the franchise for another remarkable achievement.

Sharing his thoughts on Kohli’s match-winning performance, Kane wrote: “What a player and what a knock @virat.kohli! Congrats @royalchallengers.bengaluru on making it back to back IPL titles.”

The message quickly gained traction among fans of both cricket and football, highlighting Kohli’s global popularity and influence beyond the sport. Kane’s appreciation reflected the admiration many elite athletes have for Kohli’s consistency, longevity and ability to deliver under pressure on the biggest occasions.

RCB’s triumph marked another historic chapter in the franchise’s journey. After ending their 18-year wait for a maiden IPL title in 2025, they successfully defended the crown a year later, joining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) as the only teams to achieve back-to-back IPL championships.

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Kohli shines again as RCB complete historic title defence

Kohli once again played a pivotal role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful campaign. The former RCB captain finished the season in excellent form and delivered when it mattered most in the final, remaining unbeaten on 75 from 42 deliveries to steer his side home.

His innings included several trademark boundaries and a half-century that came in just 25 balls, the fastest IPL fifty of his career. Kohli’s knock ensured RCB maintained complete control of the chase despite Gujarat Titans briefly threatening a comeback through Rashid Khan’s spell in the middle overs.

The title triumph also placed Patidar in elite company. He became only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to lead a franchise to consecutive IPL titles. For RCB, the victory was the perfect conclusion to another dominant season, while Kohli’s match-winning effort ensured celebrations continued long after the final ball was bowled in Ahmedabad.

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