Synopsis: A Virat Kohli chasing masterclass leads RCB to second straight IPL win in Ahmedabad.
For years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) carried the tag of perennial underachievers. Despite boasting some of the league’s finest batsmen, they never quite had the complete team that was needed to truly mount a real challenge for the crown.
That changed dramatically after a stellar 2024 auction, where a shrewdly assembled, well-balanced squad addressed their long-standing weaknesses. It sparked a sensational turnaround, with the side finally winning their first IPL title in 2025 and on Sunday, achieving the rare honour of winning the trophy two years in a row with a win over Gujarat Titans in the final.
The name ‘Rajat’ means silver in Hindi, but under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, his achievements will be etched in gold whenever the history of the IPL is rewritten. The 32-year-old may be a quiet, unassuming personality off the field, but his leadership on it, both with the bat and in tactics, is now converting RCB from an underachieving unit into the team to beat.
Less than 24 hours ago, another perennial underachiever – Paris Saint-Germain – won their second straight title. On Sunday, it was RCB’s turn.
Also Read | The short story: How RCB attack ran through Gujarat Titans in IPL final
Kohli show
There was a time when, even at the peak of his batting powers, Virat Kohli’s failures in knockout matches often mirrored those of his team.
Over the last few years, however, the script has changed. Whenever India have found themselves in a high-pressure knockout or final, Kohli has repeatedly delivered performances of significance. On Sunday, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru chasing a second IPL title, it was time to produce one of those innings in franchise colours.
The target of 157 was not daunting, but the surface offered enough assistance to ensure there would be no straightforward chase. Fortunately for RCB, Venkatesh Iyer ensured they got off to a flying start, smashing 32 off just 16 balls and immediately putting Gujarat Titans on the back foot.
The early assault allowed Kohli to settle into his innings. GT’s pacers, who had enjoyed success throughout the season by bowling Test-match lengths and probing outside off stump, altered their plans against Kohli. They targeted the stumps more often and mixed up their lengths between full and short deliveries.
It played straight into his strengths. The veteran quickly got into rhythm, whipping deliveries through the leg side and pulling anything short enough to punish. Every boundary was met with a deafening roar from the overwhelmingly pro-RCB crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium.