Virat Kohli was named the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 75 runs in the IPL 2026 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. His innings led RCB to their second consecutive title with a five-wicket win. The right-handed batter faced 42 balls and smashed 9 boundaries and 3 sixes.

“Stuff you dream of. Thought of this moment many times, wanting to hit the winning run. Felt really relaxed coming in. The team we have gives confidence to see any kind of situation through. Knew exactly what to do in the chase. Such is the demand, super young players pushing you to up the ante,” Virat Kohli said.

He reacted to his fastest fifty in the IPL.

“Gives you something to work towards. I had to change my mindset, not my game so much, take on bowlers and get extra runs. The first target was to go to the top of the table. We didn’t care what jersey was in front of us thereon. We’re respectful, don’t poke any team. We have mature professionals, and experience shines through.

“Come the big situation, you need the big boys to step up. I know it’s a chase, and they’ll look to get me out early, but I know we have a champion side that can chase it down with 3-4 overs to go. When we won last year, Mo Bobat said this is not the end of the journey, and we had to go back to back,” he added.

Kohli lauded Venkatesh Iyer for adding 62 runs for the first wicket in 4.3 overs.

“Told Venky we need to kill the game in the powerplay. There was total clarity. We had small targets and played free cricket. His intent was the difference-maker in the last three to four games,’ he mentioned.

Virat thanked RCB fans for their support.

“We have 14 home games, not seven; we have fans behind us all the time. 90 percent of fans are on our side despite it being GT’s home ground.”