Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League 2026 with a commanding 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans at Dharamshala on Tuesday night, underlining their dominance in a high-pressure playoff clash. The emphatic win not only sealed their place in a second consecutive final but also sparked emotional scenes involving franchise stalwarts Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers that quickly went viral.
RCB vs GT: Highlights | Scoreboard
For fans inside the HPCA Stadium and millions watching online, the defining image came after the final ball when Virat Kohli was seen embracing former teammate and RCB great AB de Villiers. The heartfelt hug between two of the franchise’s most iconic figures instantly set social media ablaze, with supporters calling de Villiers the team’s “lucky charm” and a symbolic presence in their journey back to the top.
The South African legend had also been present during RCB’s maiden IPL title triumph last season, further strengthening the narrative among fans that his association brings fortune to the franchise. Kohli and de Villiers, who built one of the most feared partnerships in IPL history, once again reminded every one of their enduring bond. Their connection spans years of shared success, heartbreak, and record-breaking performances that defined an era for the Bengaluru-based side.
The duo’s legacy includes some unforgettable stands, most notably a 229-run partnership against Gujarat Lions in 2016 and a blistering 215-run stand against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede in 2015. Moments like these have long cemented their place in IPL folklore, making their post-match embrace in 2026 feel like a continuation of a story fans never want to end.
One fan summed up the sentiment on social media, writing that the journey of Kohli and de Villiers has “seen it all—from tears in 2016 to warm hugs in 2026,” adding that it felt like “17 years in the making.” Another post noted, “AB wasn’t there to lift the trophy with them earlier, but he’s here now for the title defence.”
RCB TO DEFEND TITLE?
On the field, RCB delivered a performance of sheer dominance. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front once again with a breathtaking 33-ball 93, powering the team to a record-breaking 254 in 20 overs—the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. Gujarat Titans had no answers to the onslaught, as RCB’s bowlers took charge in the second innings.
The bowling unit, spearheaded by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, ensured there was no way back for Gujarat. Their disciplined attack and sharp execution under the lights at the HPCA Stadium wrapped up a comprehensive win, allowing RCB fans to savour every moment of a near-perfect night in Dharamsala.
With this emphatic victory, RCB are now just one win away from becoming only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend the title. The stage is now set for another high-voltage final, with Bengaluru carrying both momentum and emotion into the summit clash.
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