Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) triumph over the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB head coach Andy Flower hailed star batsman Virat Kohli as the heartbeat of the franchise. Flower emphasised that Kohli’s intense work ethic and leadership made him an invaluable role model for the entire squad.

With this victory, the Rajat Patidar-led team became only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend its crown, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. After restricting Gujarat to a modest 155/8, Bengaluru chased the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare.