Kohli made 75* helping RCB win their second consecutive IPL title.
Shubman Gill (10) and Sai Sudharsan (12) fell early for GT, and it was a game of catch for them. Nishant Sindhu scored 20, and Jos Buttler hit 19, but it was Washington Sundar's 50* that helped GT reach 155/8 in 20 overs. Rasikh Salam stood out with 3/27 for RCB.
In response, Virat Kohli stood tall with 75* in 42 balls with 9 fours and 3 sixes, while Venkatesh Iyer (32) and Tim David (24) played supporting roles. RCB won the game with 5 wickets in hand and became the IPL 2026 champions.
During the game, Kohli became the focus of drama. Shubman Gill appeared to hold on to a catch as Kohli was on 63, ending his brilliant innings. However, Kohli remained unconvinced. He was aware that it wasn't as simple as it appeared.
Kohli was first instructed to walk after speaking with the umpire. However, he abruptly turned around as he began to head back. Things became quite interesting when the third umpire was called.
Gill's catch wasn't clean, as the replay revealed. Gill dived low in front after Kohli mishandled a delivery from Arshad Khan, but part of the ball seemed to be in contact with the ground as he tried to get his hands beneath it. The third umpire was persuaded after considering several viewpoints.
Kohli appeared to disagree with the GT captain's assertion that the catch was clean as he approached Gill while the replays were still playing on the large screen. Kohli lifted his fist in celebration as the TV umpire's verdict of not out was shown on the big screen moments later, giving him the final laugh.
Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Final for his 75* knock as RCB became the third team after CSK and MI to win two successive IPL titles.