Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Krunal Pandya expressed his satisfaction after winning his fifth Indian Premier League (IPL) title, describing the achievement as 'incredibly satisfying.'
Krunal has become one of the most successful players in IPL history, claiming his fifth title, including two consecutive championships with RCB in 2025 and 2026. He had previously won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians (MI).
The Bengaluru all-rounder played a key role in RCB’s successful title defence during the 2026 season.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pandya said, “Winning trophies has always been my biggest motivation in cricket because there’s no feeling quite like lifting a championship. Individual performances and match wins bring happiness, but winning a tournament is something truly special.”
He added, “Throughout my career, I’ve always visualised and manifested success at the team level, and I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of sides that have achieved that. To win a fifth IPL trophy in eleven years is incredibly satisfying, and I’m grateful for the journey and the opportunities that have come my way.”
In the final, Gujarat Titans (GT) were put into bat first by RCB and managed 155 for 8 in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar top-scored with 50 not out from 37 balls, including five fours, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20 runs from 18 balls with three fours. Rasikh Dar Salam took 3 for 27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2 for 29 and Josh Hazlewood 2 for 37.
RCB began well with a 62-run partnership between Venkatesh Iyer, who scored 32 from 16 balls hitting four boundaries and two sixes, and Virat Kohli. Although GT fought back to reduce RCB to 132 for 5, Kohli’s unbeaten 75 from 42 balls, featuring nine fours and three sixes, guided the team to victory with two overs remaining.
This victory marks RCB’s second IPL title and their fourth overall Indian franchise cricket trophy, which includes two Women’s Premier League (WPL) titles.