Ahmedabad: Virat Kohli set social media abuzz with an emotional post following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final, where they secured back-to-back titles with a clinical victory over Gujarat Titans.
Kohli, who played a match-winning knock of 75* off 42 balls in the final, reflected on the team’s mindset after their maiden title win in 2025. His simple yet powerful message — “We asked ourselves a question last year — can we go back to back? Here we are again” — quickly went viral, resonating with fans and players alike.
Kohli’s post captures team’s determination
Kohli’s statement highlighted the hunger within the RCB camp to push beyond their long-awaited first title and establish a legacy. After ending an 18-year title drought in 2025, the team faced immense expectations heading into the 2026 season.
Rather than settling for past success, the squad focused on consistency and improvement, a mindset that ultimately helped them join elite teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as franchises to win consecutive IPL titles.
The post quickly gained traction across platforms, with fans praising Kohli’s leadership and commitment to excellence.
Global praise pours in for Kohli
Kohli’s performance and leadership earned praise beyond the cricketing world. England football captain Harry Kane lauded the RCB star for his match-winning innings.
“What a player and what a knock. Congrats on making it back-to-back IPL titles,” Kane wrote on social media, reflecting the global appeal of both Kohli and the IPL.
Such cross-sport recognition further underlines the stature Kohli commands internationally, not just as a cricketer but as a sporting icon.
Kohli’s stellar IPL 2026 campaign
Beyond the final, Kohli enjoyed a remarkable season with the bat. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026, amassing 675 runs in 16 innings.
He maintained an impressive average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, registering one century and five half-centuries. His highest score of 105* came during a crucial phase of the tournament, reinforcing his role as the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup.
Kohli’s ability to deliver consistently under pressure played a pivotal role in the team’s successful title defence.
Final match highlights
In the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Gujarat Titans struggled to put up a challenging total after being asked to bat first.
GT managed 155/8 in 20 overs, with Washington Sundar scoring an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls. Nishant Sindhu added 20 runs, but the rest of the batting order failed to contribute significantly.
RCB’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Rasikh Salam Dar (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29), and Josh Hazlewood (2/37), ensured tight control throughout the innings.
In response, RCB got off to a strong start with a 62-run opening stand between Venkatesh Iyer and Kohli. Although GT briefly fought back to reduce RCB to 132/5, Kohli’s composed innings ensured there were no further hiccups as the team chased down the target with two overs remaining.
RCB’s dominance in recent seasons
With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have firmly established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the league. The back-to-back titles mark a significant transformation for a franchise that had long struggled to convert potential into silverware.
Their success has been built on a balanced squad, strong leadership, and consistent performances from key players like Kohli.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s viral post not only captured the emotions of a historic victory but also symbolised RCB’s journey from hopeful contenders to serial champions. His words reflected a mindset driven by ambition and resilience, inspiring fans and teammates alike.
As RCB celebrate another title, Kohli’s leadership and performance continue to define the team’s success, ensuring their place among the IPL’s elite franchises.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)