RCB retain IPL title as Kohli’s injury casts doubt on India series availability
Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure back-to-back championships while Virat Kohli faces six-week rehabilitation window
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have retained their Indian Premier League title, defeating the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, 2026. The victory marks the franchise’s second consecutive championship, following their inaugural win in 2025, and concludes a campaign defined by intense preparation and emotional resilience.
Star batter Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in the final, scoring an unbeaten 75 from 42 balls, including nine fours and three sixes. He finished the tournament with 676 runs, a performance that underscored his enduring status as one of cricket’s premier chasers. Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the IPL’s inception, described the victory as particularly significant given the team’s history of near-misses.
In a social media message following the win, Kohli declared the franchise his home. He wrote that the team lived through every emotion together, from the highs and pressure to the unwavering support, stating that winning back-to-back titles felt extra special because of that connection. Prior to the season, Kohli had instructed his teammates to give 120 per cent in every practice session to defend the title.
Despite the on-field success, Kohli’s immediate future is uncertain due to a hamstring injury sustained during the final. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar confirmed on June 6 that Kohli would miss India’s upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, with Yashasvi Jaiswal named as his replacement. Agarkar noted that while surgery is not required, a definitive timeline for recovery was not yet available.
Reports indicate that Kohli will undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. With a six-week recovery window cited, his availability for the subsequent ODI series against England remains in doubt. Kohli acknowledged the situation, stating that while he had always wanted to play for India for a long time, he accepted whatever unfolded regarding his participation.
