Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s successful IPL title defence drew praise from one of the franchise’s most recognisable former figures, with former RCB Owner Vijay Mallya publicly congratulating the team after its latest championship triumph. The victory not only secured RCB’s second consecutive IPL title but also established the franchise among an exclusive group of teams to have won back-to-back crowns.
Mallya reacts to RCB’s latest success
Mallya shared his reaction on X shortly after RCB completed a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final.
In his post, Former RCB Owner Vijay Mallya said: “RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties.”
RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties.
— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) May 31, 2026
The message marked a rare public reaction from Mallya following one of the biggest achievements in the franchise’s history as RCB joined Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only teams to successfully defend an IPL title.
RCB deliver another championship performance
Led by Captain Rajat Patidar, RCB produced another composed display on the biggest stage of the season. After restricting Gujarat Titans to 155/8, the Bengaluru side completed the chase with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare.
Virat Kohli anchored the pursuit with an unbeaten 75 from 42 deliveries, with an aggressive opening partnership helping put the target firmly within reach before Gujarat Titans attempted a late fightback.
The victory secured RCB’s second IPL title and further strengthened the franchise’s position among the league’s most successful teams in recent years.
Birla already looking towards 2027
While celebrations were still ongoing, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group and RCB Owner Kumar Mangalam Birla quickly shifted attention to the team’s next objective.
Speaking to reporters after the final, Kumar Mangalam Birla said: “It’s a great team, they worked seamlessly together, very rare to see such a bonded team. I think there would be a hat-trick next year.”
The comments underline the growing expectations around a squad that has now won consecutive IPL championships and retained much of the core group responsible for its recent success.
Gujarat Titans reflect on the final
Despite falling short in the title decider, Gujarat Titans took positives from their run to the final and the effort shown by the team in Ahmedabad.
Reflecting on the contest, Gujarat Titans Chief Operating Officer Colonel Arvinder Singh told reporters: “It was a pretty interesting match. What is more important is that despite scoring fewer runs, our team put its heart out there and gave its best on the field. We are very proud of them.”
Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum with the bat after being put in first, with Washington Sundar’s unbeaten half-century standing out in an innings that never fully accelerated against a disciplined RCB bowling attack.
RCB eye place in IPL history
Back-to-back IPL titles have already placed RCB in elite company, but Birla’s comments make it clear that the franchise views its latest success as another step rather than the final destination.
Having completed a successful title defence, the Bengaluru-based franchise will now enter IPL 2027 with the opportunity to achieve something no team has managed before — a third consecutive IPL championship.
