Kohli Powers Bengaluru to Back-to-Back IPL Titles

The IPL Title Win

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 and inspired bowling led Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their second straight Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a five-wicket win against Gujarat Titans.

Bengaluru restricted Gujarat to 155-8, a total they chased down with 12 balls to spare after Kohli reached his fifth half-century of the season in a lopsided final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Kohli's Match-Winning Innings

Kohli sealed victory with a six to cap a magnificent 42-ball innings featuring nine fours and three sixes, then pointed to the stands as Bengaluru players sprinted out to celebrate.

Kohli and fellow opener Venkatesh Iyer, who hit 32 off 16 balls, got Bengaluru off to a flying start in a 62-run partnership.

The Bowling Performance

Bengaluru’s quicks set up the victory as Rasikh Salam stood out with 3-27 in a disciplined attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who both took two wickets.

The trio justified the decision to put Gujarat in to bat, striking early and regularly. Only Washington Sundar offered much resistance as he scored a defiant 50 not out.

The Impact of the Win

“Stuff you dream of. Thought of this moment many times, wanting to hit the winning run,” said the 37-year-old Kohli, who was named player of the match.

“Felt really relaxed coming in. The team we have gives confidence to see any kind of situation through. Knew exactly what to do in the chase. Such is the demand [with] super young players pushing you to up the ante.”

The Future Outlook

Patidar joined an elite group of IPL captains to win back-to-back titles. MS Dhoni achieved the feat with Chennai Super Kings in 2010 and 2011, while Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians to glory in 2019 and 2020.

Kohli has stepped away from Test cricket and T20 internationals and plays just the ODI format for India.