• Source:JND

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to defend their IPL title when they take on Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31.

RCB sealed their berth in the grand finale after a dominant win over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. As the team prepares for another shot at glory, all eyes will once again be on Virat Kohli, who is one of the biggest names in the history of the tournament.

The former RCB captain will be playing his fifth IPL final. After finally winning his maiden IPL trophy in 2025, Kohli will be hoping to add another feather in his cap. Here is how the batting superstar played in the summit clash of the cash-rich league over the years.

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A Tough Start in IPL Finals

Kohli's first outing in the IPL final came in 2009 when RCB faced Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg. While chasing 144 runs, the Bengaluru-based franchise fell short by six runs. Kohli, who was only 20 years old at the time, had a quiet outing and scored just seven runs from eight deliveries.

Another Missed Opportunity in 2011

RCB again featured in the IPL 2011 final where they faced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk in Chennai. Chasing a massive target of 206, the Bengaluru-based franchise struggled throughout the innings and eventually finished on 147/8, losing by 58 runs. Batting at No. 3, Kohli scored 35 runs off 32 balls.

Kohli's Record-Breaking 2016 Season Ends in Heartbreak

The 2016 season remains one of the most memorable campaigns of Kohli's career. While captaining RCB, he produced a memorable batting display throughout the tournament, scoring a record 973 runs in 16 innings. His performances helped RCB reach the final where they faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

However, despite a strong start in the chase of 209, RCB failed win the clash. Kohli scored 54 runs from 35 balls, but the team eventually lost by nine runs.

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Dream Finally Comes True in 2025

After 18 years of disappointment, Kohli and RCB finally achieved their dream in the IPL 2025 defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

Batting first, RCB posted 190 runs on the board. Kohli contributed an important 43 runs from 35 balls before the bowlers held their nerve to secure an eight-run victory.

Virat Kohli's Overall IPL Final Record

Before the IPL 2026 final, Kohli had played four IPL finals and scored 139 runs in four innings, including one half-century, which came during the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad.


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