Ahmedabad: Devdutt Padikkal underlined the immense influence of Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful run chase against Gujarat Titans, stating that the team felt no pressure as long as Kohli was at the crease in the 2026 Indian Premier League final.
RCB clinched their second consecutive IPL title with a five-wicket victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium, successfully chasing down a modest target of 156 in 18 overs. While Kohli’s unbeaten 75 anchored the innings, Padikkal emphasised that the foundation of the victory was laid by a disciplined and consistent bowling performance.
Bowlers set the tone with disciplined performance
Padikkal was particularly vocal in praising RCB’s bowling unit, calling their efforts throughout the season “unbelievable”. He highlighted their meticulous planning and execution, which played a crucial role in restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in the final.
“They have been unbelievable. The plans they execute are great. I have been in a few meetings, and they are meticulous,” Padikkal said.
RCB’s pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Josh Hazlewood led the charge with the ball. Rasikh delivered a standout spell of 3/27 in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar returned figures of 2/29 and Hazlewood picked up 2/37. Krunal Pandya also contributed with a wicket, ensuring Gujarat Titans never gained momentum.
Over the course of the season, Bhuvneshwar finished with 28 wickets, Rasikh claimed 19, Hazlewood added 15, and Krunal chipped in with 14 wickets, reflecting a balanced and effective bowling attack.
Kohli’s presence removes pressure in big moments
While the bowlers set up the win, Kohli’s presence in the chase proved decisive. Padikkal revealed that the dressing room remained calm despite wickets falling, largely due to Kohli’s experience and composure under pressure.
“When each wicket fell, I was just telling Venky, as long as he is there, then there are no nerves,” Padikkal said, referring to teammate Venkatesh Iyer.
Kohli’s unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes, guided RCB home with authority. Padikkal also highlighted Kohli’s continuous evolution as a cricketer.
“He has not stayed still, he has evolved, he has continuously improved,” he added.
Strong start and steady finish secure victory
RCB’s chase began confidently with a 62-run opening partnership between Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32 off 16 balls. However, Gujarat Titans staged a brief comeback, reducing RCB to 132/5.
Despite the mid-innings wobble, Kohli held firm, ensuring there were no further hiccups and finishing the match in style. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed once again demonstrated his match-winning calibre.
Earlier, Gujarat Titans struggled to post a competitive total after being put in to bat. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20. However, regular wickets prevented them from building substantial partnerships.
Positive team environment key to RCB success
RCB wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma credited the team’s management and leadership group for fostering a positive environment throughout the season.
He highlighted the role of Director of Cricket Mo Bobat in reshaping the team’s mindset.
“Mo had said earlier, we are not defending, we are chasing the title. The mindset changed there,” Jitesh said.
He also praised mentor Dinesh Karthik for his guidance and support, noting that the management consistently backed the players and encouraged them to focus on one match at a time.
“Our focus was one game at a time. We never thought about how well we were playing. The focus was on our tactics,” he added, expressing confidence in RCB’s ability to aim for a third consecutive title.
RCB’s dominance reflects team balance
The 2026 season saw RCB emerge as one of the most balanced sides in the tournament, combining a potent bowling attack with a dependable batting line-up led by Kohli.
Their ability to execute plans consistently, adapt to match situations, and maintain composure under pressure played a crucial role in their title defence.
With contributions from both experienced players and emerging talents, RCB’s campaign stood out as a model of teamwork and strategic clarity.
Conclusion
RCB’s second successive IPL triumph was a result of collective excellence, but the influence of Virat Kohli remained central to their success. As Devdutt Padikkal pointed out, Kohli’s presence alone brings calm and confidence in high-pressure situations.
Coupled with a disciplined bowling unit and strong team management, RCB have established themselves as a dominant force in the league. With ambitions already set on a third title, the franchise appears well-positioned to continue its winning run in the seasons ahead.