Dharamsala: Vijay Mallya congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru after the defending champions stormed into their second consecutive Indian Premier League final with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.
RCB delivered a clinical all-round performance to outclass Gujarat Titans, dominating both with the bat and ball in a one-sided encounter. The victory also marked their fifth appearance in an IPL final, further cementing their status as one of the league’s most consistent teams in recent years.
Vijay Mallya’s message goes viral
Soon after the emphatic win, former RCB owner Vijay Mallya took to social media to extend his wishes to the franchise. His message quickly gained traction among fans, many of whom reminisced about his association with the team during its early years.
“Many many congratulations to RCB namma dodda Simhagulu for an emphatic victory in Dharamsala tonight. You roared loud like the Lions of Bengaluru and roared into the IPL final as defending champions,” Mallya wrote.
His reference to “namma dodda Simhagulu” — a popular Kannada phrase celebrating Bengaluru’s pride — struck a chord with supporters and added a nostalgic touch to RCB’s achievement.
Rajat Patidar leads batting onslaught
RCB’s dominance began with the bat after they were put in to bat first. Skipper Rajat Patidar produced a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, anchoring one of the most destructive innings of the season.
Despite getting early reprieves, Patidar made the most of his chances, smashing five fours and nine sixes. His aggressive strokeplay powered RCB to a massive total of 254/5.
The Bengaluru side accelerated dramatically in the death overs, scoring 86 runs in the final five overs and 114 in the last six. The late surge completely shifted the momentum in their favour, leaving Gujarat Titans with a daunting chase.
Valuable contributions from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya further strengthened the innings, ensuring a formidable total on the board.
Early blows derail Gujarat Titans chase
In response, Gujarat Titans needed a strong start but suffered early setbacks during the powerplay. The dismissal of Sai Sudharsan in unusual fashion — after his bat slipped onto the stumps — triggered the collapse.
Skipper Shubman Gill followed soon after, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar for just two, leaving GT struggling early in the chase.
The pressure continued to mount as Josh Hazlewood dismissed Jos Buttler, while Rasikh Salam struck twice in a single over to remove Nishant Sandhu and Jason Holder.
At 51/5, the match had already tilted decisively in RCB’s favour, with Gujarat Titans unable to recover from the early collapse.
Bowlers seal emphatic win
RCB’s bowling unit executed their plans to perfection, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the innings. Jacob Duffy starred with figures of 3/39, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributed with 2/28, continuing his impressive season.
Though Rahul Tewatia fought back with a valiant 68, the target proved far too steep. Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162, handing RCB a comprehensive 92-run victory.
RCB eye back-to-back titles
With this win, RCB have now qualified for their fifth IPL final (2009, 2011, 2016, 2025, 2026) and will be aiming to secure back-to-back titles. Their consistent performances across departments have made them one of the strongest contenders this season.
The margin of victory also ranks among the highest in IPL knockout history, highlighting the team’s dominance in high-pressure matches.
Conclusion
RCB’s emphatic win over Gujarat Titans not only secured their place in the IPL 2026 final but also showcased their strength as a well-rounded unit. Vijay Mallya’s viral message added a nostalgic layer to the celebration, reconnecting fans with the franchise’s early journey.
As they prepare for the final, RCB will look to carry forward this momentum and cement their legacy with another title-winning performance.