Royal Challengers Bengaluru not only defended their Indian Premier League title in style but also secured the biggest financial reward of the season after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad. RCB's title-winning campaign was rewarded with ₹20 crore in prize money, while Gujarat Titans received ₹12.5 crore after finishing as runners-up.
Final Match Overview
The final proved to be a fitting end to a dominant season for Rajat Patidar's side. After restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8, RCB chased down the target with 12 balls to spare to clinch their second successive IPL crown. The match showcased outstanding performances from both teams, but RCB's composure under pressure made the difference.
Virat Kohli's Masterclass
Virat Kohli once again delivered on the biggest stage, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls. The veteran batter struck nine fours and three sixes as he guided RCB home with a trademark chase masterclass. His innings was backed by a strong start from Venkatesh Iyer and a useful contribution from Tim David, who scored 24 off 17 balls. The former RCB captain eventually sealed victory with a six, sparking wild celebrations among players and supporters.
Bowling Prowess
Earlier in the evening, RCB's bowlers laid the foundation for the triumph. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Gujarat Titans' star opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan inside the powerplay, while Rasikh Salam Dar impressed with figures of 3/27. Washington Sundar fought a lone battle with an unbeaten half-century, but GT could only manage 155/8 on a surface that offered little assistance to stroke-makers.
Prize Money Breakdown
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Champions): ₹20 crore
- Gujarat Titans (Runners-up): ₹12.5 crore
While the trophy once again belongs to RCB, both finalists leave IPL 2026 with significant financial rewards after producing memorable campaigns that culminated in a blockbuster final in Ahmedabad. Despite the disappointment of losing the final, Gujarat Titans will take consolation from a strong campaign that ended with a runners-up finish and a prize money payout of ₹13 crore. After recovering from an inconsistent start to the season, Shubman Gill's side reached their second IPL final before being outclassed by the defending champions.
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