Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’ as RCB secures second straight title
A Dynasty Reaffirmed in the IPL 2026 Final
The landscape of the Indian Premier League has shifted decisively. In a match that will be remembered for its technical precision and emotional resonance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets to claim their second consecutive IPL title. Following the conclusion of the final, the mood in the RCB camp was one of quiet confidence and justified satisfaction. Reflecting on the dominance displayed by his side throughout the tournament, Virat Kohli provided a definitive assessment: ‘Kohli: ‘It was a clinical performance’.’
The Mindset of a Champion
For Virat Kohli, this championship run felt markedly different from previous campaigns. Speaking after the trophy presentation, the veteran star emphasized that the psychological burden of past seasons had been replaced by a collective belief in the team’s internal ability. The squad had topped the league table, proving their consistency long before the knockout stages commenced.
‘I said to a few other boys that it doesn’t feel like the same pressure as last year,’ Kohli remarked. ‘We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. We topped the table. There’s 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.’ This level-headed approach allowed RCB to remain composed even when the stakes were at their highest, proving that their success was the result of meticulous planning rather than mere fortune.
Overcoming the Mid-Season Hurdles
The journey to the title was not without its challenges. Kohli candidly discussed the period following the mid-season break, where the team faced a tricky stretch of matches. A lone defeat, followed by a tight contest against the Mumbai Indians, tested the squad’s resolve. However, the resilience shown during that period became the cornerstone of their eventual triumph. ‘As soon as we got that win against MI, the belief came back in,’ Kohli noted. ‘Then we had a comprehensive win against KKR, and then yeah, just ended up topping the table and just on our way to the finals.’
A Collective Effort
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this RCB side is its lack of reliance on individual heroics. Kohli expressed deep pride in the depth of the roster, noting that there is always someone available to step up and shift the momentum of a game. ‘It’s been amazing,’ he said. ‘Just to have a group of guys where you feel like when you are stepping on to the ground, you don’t need to be the one to step up every time. There is a guy behind you, around you, who can win games of cricket for you.’
Kohli highlighted the bowling unit—featuring world-class talents like ‘Hoff’ (Josh Hazlewood), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Rasik Dar—as a key reason for their defensive strength. The balance of the side, combined with the maturity of the players, created an environment where every individual felt empowered to contribute.
Krunal Pandya on the Significance of Back-to-Back Glory
For Krunal Pandya, the feeling of lifting the trophy back-to-back is almost indescribable. Addressing the media, he compared the difficulty of winning an IPL title to the joys of parenthood, noting that each trophy is hard-earned and distinct. ‘There’s no doubt about it, every IPL trophy is special,’ Pandya stated. ‘I’m grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it’s been special for me.’
Pandya was quick to credit the behind-the-scenes work of the support staff, including Andy Flower, Mo Babat, and Dinesh Karthik. He emphasized that the team’s success was rooted in the auction room, where the balance of the squad was meticulously engineered. ‘Sometimes you win half the battle in the auction and they did a pretty good job,’ he added. For the RCB faithful, who have waited through 18 long years for success, these two consecutive titles serve as a massive reward for their unwavering support.
Looking Ahead
As the celebrations continue, the narrative remains clear: RCB has evolved into a balanced, professional, and championship-caliber organization. By maintaining their focus and executing their plans with such high efficiency, they have set a new standard for the league. As Kohli concluded, the team’s composure and maturity were the defining factors that allowed them to navigate the pressure of the final and emerge as back-to-back champions.
