IPL 2026: 'Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu' Patidar dedicates title win to RCB fans

Rajat Patidar (Pic: PTI)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets to win IPL 2026. RCB became just the third team, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend their title.

Put into bat, GT scored 155 runs at the end of their 20 overs. GT lost both their openers early as RCB dominated with the ball. Chasing 156 runs to win, Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 to guide RCB to yet another IPL title.

After a record second consecutive win, RCB captain Rajat Patidar dedicated the trophy to the RCB fans.

"It feels superb. When we came here there was a lot of memories of last year. I don't have words to express but feeling very good. It was clear planning. When we win the toss, it was easy to chase. The way Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Rasikh, KP Suyash and Shepherd, they bowled really well throughout the tournament. I never dreamt of becoming the captain of RCB and lifting the trophy. I think it was written. Grateful for that. We were slightly more confident than last year. Everywhere it felt like a home ground for us with the fans coming in. The pre tournament prep was very good for me. I tried to analyze which shots are good for me. I got so many inputs from DK, which were helpful for me. He (Virat Kohli) is always there for the team. This one is for you again, RCB fans. Ee Sala nu Cup Namdu." Patidar said.

Gill left disappointed with GT's batting

Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill was disappointed with his team's batting in the first innings. Gill admitted that his team needed more runs to stay competitive in the final of the tournament.

"I think if we would have gotten close to 180, 190, it would have been a good match. (on whether the surface was slow or two-paced) Honestly, not that much. You know, maybe a little bit. We have seen whenever we are playing, in the first three or four overs there is a little bit of movement for the fast bowlers. We couldn't get over the line, but, you know, there are always things that you could improve on. And even if you would have won the trophy, there were still things that we felt as a group that we needed to work on." Gill said.