Virat Kohli delivered another memorable innings for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans. In a chase that became difficult after a cluster of wickets, the RCB great produced a composed yet attacking knock to guide his side in the title clash.
RCB were chasing a target of 156 to secure their second consecutive IPL crown. Venkatesh Iyer and Kohli gave the defending champions a steady opening platform, but the innings tightened when Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal and Rajat Patidar fell in quick succession. Kohli, however, remained firm and ensured RCB stayed on course.
Kohli Leads RCB’s Chase Against GT
Kohli began the innings aggressively, taking on Kagiso Rabada early. He punished GT’s leading bowler with a series of boundaries, helping RCB make strong progress inside the first six overs.
Even as wickets kept falling at the other end, the RCB opener maintained a strike rate close to 200 and kept the chase firmly alive. During the knock, he brought up a rapid half-century and achieved several notable milestones.
Kohli Records His Fastest IPL Fifty
Kohli, often called “King,” showed his experience and class on the biggest stage. His innings in the IPL 2026 final became the fastest fifty of his IPL career.
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He reached the landmark in 25 balls, taking on Rabada and the rest of the Gujarat Titans attack with authority.
Virat Kohli’s fastest fifty in IPL
- 25 vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2026
- 26 vs DC, Delhi, 2018
- 26 vs RR, Bengaluru, 2018
- 27 vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
Virat Kohli became the seventh batter in IPL history to score two half-centuries in IPL finals.
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Other Major Milestones Reached by Kohli
Most 50+ Scores in T20 Tournament Finals (Min. 5 Teams)
- 4 — Dwayne Smith
- 4 — Chris Gayle
- 4 — Virat Kohli
Fastest 50s in IPL Final (By Balls)
- 24 – Suresh Raina (CSK) vs MI, Navi Mumbai, 2010
- 24 – David Warner (SRH) vs RCB, Bengaluru, 2016
- 24 – Venkatesh Iyer (KKR) vs SRH, Chennai, 2024
- 25 – Rohit Sharma (MI) vs CSK, Kolkata, 2015
- 25 – Chris Gayle (RCB) vs SRH, Bengaluru, 2016
- 25 – Virat Kohli (RCB) vs GT, Ahmedabad, 2026
Kohli’s Excellent IPL 2026 Campaign
Kohli entered IPL 2026 after two outstanding ODI series, with expectations high due to his strong form. He responded with another prolific IPL season, scoring heavily while maintaining an impressive strike rate.
He opened the tournament with a half-century against SRH and finished it with another important fifty under major pressure. Across 16 IPL 2026 matches, Kohli scored 658 runs at a strike rate of 165.33, including one century, which came in a must-win match against KKR.
