RCB’s Road to IPL 2026 Final: Table-toppers, most consistent side and favourites to defend title

NEW DELHI: After waiting 18 long seasons to finally lift the Indian Premier League trophy in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have backed up their historic triumph with another dominant campaign. Under captain Rajat Patidar, RCB have transformed into the most consistent side of IPL 2026 and now stand one win away from defending their crown.For Virat Kohli, who spent nearly two decades carrying the hopes of the franchise, last season’s title ended years of heartbreak. But rather than slowing down after finally winning the trophy, RCB returned this season looking even stronger, calmer and more complete. Playing as defending champions for the first time in IPL history, RCB embraced the pressure brilliantly. They finished at the top of the league-stage standings with nine wins from 14 matches before storming into the final with a crushing 92-run victory over Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.As they prepare to face Gujarat Titans again in Sunday’s final in Ahmedabad, RCB look every bit the favourites to win back-to-back titles.

RCB’s Road to Final: Explosive start set the tone

RCB began their campaign with an emphatic six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener in Bengaluru. In what turned out to be an early sign of the batting madness that defined IPL 2026, SRH piled up 201/9, only for RCB to chase it down comfortably in the 16th over.Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, while the aggressive batting approach immediately showed the intent with which RCB planned to play the season.The campaign gathered further momentum in the Southern Derby against Chennai Super Kings. Batting first at home, RCB smashed 250/3, with Tim David hammering an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls. CSK fought hard with 207 in reply, but RCB still cruised to a commanding 43-run victory.Their first setback came in Guwahati against Rajasthan Royals. Despite posting another 200-plus total, RCB ran into teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose explosive 26-ball 78 helped RR chase down the target with two overs to spare.However, the defeat did little to disrupt RCB’s rhythm.They bounced back with consecutive wins over Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants. At the Wankhede Stadium, RCB piled up 240/4 before restricting MI to 225/5 in a high-scoring thriller. Against LSG, they showcased their bowling strength by bowling the visitors out for 146.Those victories also helped RCB build a healthy net run rate, which later proved crucial in the standings. Mid-season wobble and champion’s responseRCB suffered their first home defeat when Delhi Capitals edged them out in a last-over thriller in Bengaluru. But once again, the defending champions responded strongly.They chased down another 200-plus target against Gujarat Titans before producing one of the most dominant bowling performances of the season against Delhi Capitals in the reverse fixture. Led by Josh Hazlewood’s stunning 4/12, RCB bundled DC out for just 75 in 16.3 overs and chased down the target in only 6.3 overs, significantly boosting their net run rate.The toughest phase of RCB’s season arrived soon after.Back-to-back defeats against Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants briefly put their playoff push under pressure. GT dismissed RCB for just 155 in Ahmedabad and chased the target down with ease, while RCB failed to hunt down a revised 213-run target against LSG in a rain-affected contest.At that stage, RCB had six wins from 10 matches and still needed at least two more victories to guarantee a playoff spot.That pressure, however, brought out the best in the defending champions.RCB responded with a hat-trick of victories to cement their place at the top of the table. They completed a season double over Mumbai Indians in a thrilling last-ball win in Raipur before comfortably defeating Kolkata Knight Riders to seal qualification for the playoffs.A 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala further strengthened their position at the top.Even a heavy 55-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final league match could not stop RCB from finishing first. Their superior net run rate ensured they topped the standings ahead of Gujarat Titans and SRH, despite all three teams ending on 18 points.

Patidar leads from the front in Qualifier 1

RCB then delivered their most complete performance of the season in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans.Skipper Rajat Patidar produced a sensational captain’s knock, blasting 93 off just 33 balls with nine towering sixes to power RCB to a massive 254/5.The bowlers then completed the job clinically, bundling out GT for 162 to secure a crushing 92-run victory and book RCB’s place in their fifth IPL final.More importantly, the performance reinforced why RCB have been the standout team of the season. Their batting has been fearless, the bowling disciplined and the leadership composed under pressure.Now, with momentum firmly on their side and confidence soaring, RCB head into the IPL 2026 final looking ready to successfully defend their title.Top 5 Batters:Top 5 Bowlers: