AHMEDABAD: A brilliant half-century from star batter Virat Kohli helped Bengaluru (RCB) make history by successfully defending their Indian Premier League (IPL) title and securing their second championship overall with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
After being put in to bat, Gujarat struggled to build momentum and finished on 155/8 in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, including five fours, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs from 18 deliveries. RCB’s bowlers kept up the pressure throughout the innings, with Rasikh Dar Salam claiming 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each.
In reply, RCB made a strong start through a 62-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32 off 16 balls, and Virat Kohli. Gujarat fought back to reduce RCB to 132/5, but Kohli remained calm under pressure.
The former captain produced a masterclass, finishing unbeaten on 75 from just 42 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes. His match-winning innings guided RCB to victory with two overs remaining and ensured the franchise retained its IPL crown in style.
