Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in IPL history by clinching their second straight title in the 2026 season, defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in a thrilling final. The victory was highlighted by a rare achievement from Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma, who became the first pair to accomplish a unique double in an IPL final.
Match Summary
Chasing a challenging target of 198 set by CSK, RCB reached the target with four wickets and two balls to spare. Phil Salt played a blistering knock of 87 off 52 balls, while Suyash Sharma contributed a crucial 42 off 28 deliveries. Their partnership of 112 runs for the fifth wicket turned the tide in RCB's favor.
Rare Feat Achieved
Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma achieved a rare feat by both scoring over 80 and 40 runs respectively in an IPL final while also taking a wicket each. Salt dismissed Ruturaj Gaikwad with his part-time off-spin, while Sharma, a leg-spinner, claimed the wicket of Shivam Dube. This marks the first instance where a wicketkeeper-batter and a bowler have accomplished such a double in a final.
Key Performances
- Phil Salt: 87 runs off 52 balls and 1 wicket
- Suyash Sharma: 42 runs off 28 balls and 1 wicket
- Virat Kohli: 34 runs off 28 balls
- Mohammed Siraj: 3 wickets for 32 runs
CSK's Innings
Chennai Super Kings posted 197 for 6 in their 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant century from Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored 107 off 63 balls. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize, with only Shivam Dube (32) and Moeen Ali (25) providing support. RCB's bowlers, led by Siraj, kept the scoring in check during the death overs.
Historic Achievement
This victory makes RCB the first team to win back-to-back IPL titles since Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011. The franchise, which had long been chasing its first title, now has two in a row. Captain Faf du Plessis praised the team's resilience and credited the all-round performance for the success.
Reactions
RCB owner Vijay Mallya expressed delight, calling it a "dream come true." Fans erupted in celebration across Bengaluru, with firecrackers and victory rallies marking the occasion. The team is set to receive a grand welcome at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The 2026 IPL season will be remembered for RCB's dominance and the emergence of new heroes like Salt and Sharma, who have become household names in Indian cricket.
