RCB clinches title in thrilling final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: In a closely contested final between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, RCB emerged as champions.
After winning the toss in the high-voltage final, Bengaluru opted to bowl first. The decision proved effective early in the innings for the RCB-led side.
The opening pair of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan fell cheaply inside the powerplay, both dismissed after attempting short-pitched deliveries. Sai Sudharsan scored 12 runs before being caught by Jitesh Sharma off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, while Shubman Gill was dismissed for 10 runs, caught by Rajat Patidar off Josh Hazlewood.
Nishant Sindhu, who came in earlier than usual, then built a brief partnership with Jos Buttler, helping stabilize the innings during a difficult phase. Gujarat reached 45 for 2 at the end of the powerplay.
However, Nishant Sindhu was dismissed for 20 runs while attempting an aggressive shot off Rasikh's bowling, with Devdutt Padikkal taking the catch. Buttler, who had shown promise, was later dismissed for 19 runs after stepping out against Krunal Pandya.
Middle-order contributions came from Arshad Khan and Washington Sundar, who added crucial runs to rebuild the innings. Arshad Khan scored 15 runs before being dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, while Rahul Tewatia managed only 7 runs. Jason Holder was dismissed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Washington Sundar remained the top scorer for Gujarat with an unbeaten 50 runs, guiding the innings till the end. Gujarat Titans posted 155 for 8 in 20 overs.
For RCB, Rasikh took 3 wickets, while Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 2 wickets each. Krunal Pandya also contributed with 1 wicket.
Chasing 156, RCB were given a strong start by Virat Kohli and the opening pair. Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer built a solid foundation, with Iyer playing aggressively despite discomfort.
In one over against Kagiso Rabada, Virat Kohli struck three boundaries and a six, collecting 19 runs in total from the over.
Venkatesh Iyer, who came in as an impact player, scored a quick 32 runs before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. Devdutt Padikkal failed to make an impact and was dismissed for 1 run off Rabada.
Rashid Khan turned the game briefly in Gujarat's favour by taking two wickets in a single over. Rajat Patidar was dismissed for 15 runs, while Krunal Pandya was also trapped lbw in the same over.
Despite wickets falling at the other end, Virat KohliVirat Kohlianchored the chase, completing his fifty in 25 balls and keeping RCB on track under pressure.
Tim David contributed 24 runs before being dismissed, but Kohli ensured a comfortable finish as RCB reached the target and sealed the victory.