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The IPL 2026 Final got off to an exciting start as Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a brilliant bowling performance against Gujarat Titans. On the biggest night of the season, RCB’s bowlers kept things tight from the very beginning and never allowed the Titans to settle. After 20 overs, Gujarat Titans could only manage 155/8, a score that looked slightly below par considering the batting talent they have in their lineup.
The atmosphere at the packed stadium was electric. Thousands of fans had gathered to witness one of the most anticipated matches of the season. With the IPL trophy on the line, every run and every wicket carried extra importance.
RCB Bowlers Strike Early
RCB could not have asked for a better start. Their pace bowlers came out with a clear plan and executed it perfectly. The new ball moved around a little, and the bowlers made full use of the conditions.
The Gujarat openers found it difficult to score freely. Boundaries were hard to come by, and the pressure kept increasing with every dot ball. RCB’s bowlers consistently hit the right areas and forced the batters into making mistakes.
The early breakthroughs gave Bengaluru complete control of the game. Every wicket was celebrated with huge energy, showing just how much this final meant to the players.
Big Wickets Put GT Under Pressure
One of the biggest moments of the innings came when Gujarat captain Shubman Gill was dismissed. Fans were expecting a captain’s knock from one of the tournament’s most reliable batters, but RCB had other plans.
Gill never looked fully comfortable at the crease and eventually lost his wicket while trying to break free from the pressure.
Things became even tougher for Gujarat when Sai Sudharsan also returned to the pavilion soon after. Losing two key batters early left the Titans struggling to build momentum.
The RCB camp sensed an opportunity and continued attacking aggressively.
Virat Kohli’s Celebration Goes Viral
Virat Kohli once again became one of the biggest talking points of the match.
After a crucial wicket, Kohli was seen giving a playful “bye-bye” gesture towards the departing batter. The moment was instantly picked up by television cameras and quickly spread across social media platforms.
Kohli’s passion and intensity have always been part of his personality. In a high-pressure final, his emotions were on full display. RCB supporters loved the celebration, while cricket fans across the world started discussing it online.
Regardless of opinions, it certainly added extra drama and entertainment to an already exciting final.
Washington Sundar Fights Alone
While wickets continued to fall at the other end, Washington Sundar showed tremendous character and determination.
The left-handed batter played one of the most important innings of Gujarat’s season. Instead of panicking under pressure, he stayed calm and focused on rebuilding the innings.
Sundar rotated the strike smartly, punished loose deliveries, and slowly guided Gujarat towards a respectable total.
His half-century was not filled with flashy shots or reckless aggression. Instead, it was a mature and responsible innings that came when his team needed it the most.
Every run he scored became valuable because wickets were falling regularly around him.
Middle Order Fails to Deliver
Apart from Washington Sundar, Gujarat Titans never really managed to establish a strong partnership.
Several batters looked promising for a few deliveries but failed to convert their starts into meaningful contributions. Whenever GT seemed ready to launch a recovery, RCB found a way to break the partnership.
The Bengaluru bowlers mixed their pace beautifully and kept changing their lengths according to the situation.
The pressure built throughout the innings eventually forced the Gujarat batters into taking risks, and RCB took full advantage of those opportunities.
Late Runs Help GT Reach 155
In the final few overs, Gujarat Titans tried their best to push the score beyond 150.
Washington Sundar continued fighting while the lower-order batters chipped in with a few useful boundaries. Those extra runs could prove important later in the match because finals often produce unexpected twists.
Although 155 is not a huge total in modern T20 cricket, it is still a target that requires a professional chase.
A couple of early wickets can quickly change the mood of a final.
RCB Win the First Battle
At the innings break, there was little doubt that RCB had won the first half of the contest.
Their bowlers executed their plans almost perfectly, the fielders supported them brilliantly, and the entire team looked focused from start to finish.
Restricting a strong batting side like Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in an IPL final is a major achievement.
However, RCB know that the job is far from over. Finals have a habit of producing dramatic moments, and Gujarat still possess a bowling attack capable of defending challenging totals.
What Happens Next?
As the players walked off the field at the end of the first innings, the pressure shifted towards the RCB batting lineup.
The target of 156 is certainly achievable, but the occasion itself makes the challenge much bigger. One mistake can change everything.
For Gujarat Titans, the plan will be simple: strike early, build pressure, and make RCB work hard for every run.
For Bengaluru, this is a golden opportunity to move one step closer to IPL glory.
The first innings belonged to RCB’s bowlers, but the second innings will decide who lifts the IPL 2026 trophy. Cricket fans around the world are now waiting for what promises to be a thrilling finish to an unforgettable final.
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