NEW DELHI: When the moment demanded a finisher, Virat Kohli delivered in trademark fashion. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru superstar fittingly struck the winning runs as RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, successfully defending their title and securing a second IPL crown.
And as Kohli launched the match-winning six into the stands, the celebrations that followed became one of the defining images of the night. Kohli first hammered Arshad Khan for a boundary off the fifth ball of the 18th over to level the score before finishing the chase in style on the very next delivery. The veteran batter got a full ball in his arc and powered it over long-on for a towering six, sparking scenes of jubilation among players and fans alike.
Kohli's iconic celebration lights up Ahmedabad
As soon as the ball disappeared into the stands, Kohli removed his helmet and turned towards the RCB dugout. With emotions pouring out, he gestured towards his teammates before spreading his arms and soaking in the moment. Holding his bat in one hand and helmet in the other, Kohli applauded the crowd that had turned the world's largest cricket stadium into a sea of red.
The camera quickly found Anushka Sharma in the stands. The actor celebrated wildly, clenching both fists and pumping her arms in delight as RCB players rushed onto the field to surround their talisman. The heartfelt reaction instantly became a viral moment on social media.
Chasemaster delivers on the biggest stage
The title-clinching six capped another memorable innings from Kohli. Earlier in the chase of 156, he had smashed the fastest half-century of his IPL career, reaching the landmark in just 25 balls. The knock also placed him among the fastest fifty-makers in IPL final history. Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer had set the tone with a blistering opening partnership, helping RCB record the fastest team fifty ever in an IPL final.
However, Gujarat Titans fought back strongly after the opening stand of 62, claiming four wickets for just 29 runs to briefly raise hopes of a comeback. Kohli, though, remained calm amid the chaos. Anchoring the chase while continuing to score at a brisk rate, he ensured RCB never lost control of the target.
And when the winning moment arrived, it was only fitting that Bengaluru's biggest icon finished the job himself — with a boundary, a six, and celebrations that will be remembered for years. Stay updated with the IPL 2026 Final between RCB and GT on Times of India. Follow live match updates, the latest IPL news, full IPL schedule, and the race for the Orange Cap and Purple Cap.
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