Ahmedabad: Star batter Virat Kohli once again delivered on the biggest stage as he smashed the fastest fifty of his IPL career during the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Chasing a target of 156 for victory, Kohli came out with aggressive intent and dismantled the Gujarat Titans bowling attack from the very beginning. The former RCB captain reached his half century in just 25 deliveries, registering the quickest fifty of his Indian Premier League career and giving Bengaluru complete control of the title clash.
The innings was a significant moment for Kohli, who has often faced questions about his performances in IPL knockout matches. Before the final, his last fifty in an IPL playoff game had come back in 2016. The veteran batter ended that long wait in style with a fearless knock under pressure.
Kohli was particularly severe against premier pacers Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj. He found boundaries regularly and maintained a high scoring rate throughout the powerplay and middle overs. His stroke play included elegant drives, powerful pulls and calculated attacking shots that kept Gujarat bowlers under constant pressure.
He also received strong support from Venkatesh Iyer, who played a rapid knock of 32 runs from just 16 balls. The pair ensured that RCB raced ahead in the chase and never allowed Gujarat Titans to build sustained pressure. Their explosive start also helped Bengaluru register one of the fastest team fifties in an IPL final.
Earlier, Gujarat Titans managed 155 for 8 in 20 overs despite a fighting half century from Washington Sundar. RCB bowlers, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar, kept Gujarat’s powerful batting lineup in check and restricted them to a below par total.
Kohli eventually finished with 75 runs off 42 balls as Royal Challengers Bengaluru chased down the target in 18 overs to secure a five wicket victory and successfully defend their IPL title. His record breaking knock not only powered RCB to glory but also added another memorable chapter to his illustrious IPL career.