Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Tuesday, June 3, to lift their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy.
RCB ended their 18-year trophy drought after a sensational performance to defend a target of 191 runs in the final.
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The Bengaluru-based franchise had previously come close on three different occasions, where they suffered defeats in each of the finals they played. This win broke all curses and ended the city's long wait for a title, which could kickstart a new era of success for the franchise.
Fresh from their win last night, RCB have already set their eyes on the upcoming season, hoping to replicate the amazing season they have had in the 2026 edition.
Not many teams can boast of back-to-back IPL trophies, but the belief in the RCB camp is quite visible after their dominant performances this season.
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RCB reveal target for IPL 2026 season
With their first-ever IPL trophy in the bag, RCB are hoping to build on the success as they eye back-to-back IPL titles in 2026.
The Director of Cricket for RCB, Mo Bobat, gave an inspirational speech in the dressing room post RCB's historic victory in Ahmedabad. He mentioned that his team has to get addicted to winning from now on, setting clear goals for the upcoming season. Check the tweet below.
DIRECTOR OF CRICKET, RCB:
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 4, 2025
"Get addicted to winning, this is just a start - not many teams have won back to back IPL, twice it has happened before, next year, IPL in Benguluru - and we go again". pic.twitter.com/W2u1eEkBWA
Speaking to the members of the squad, Bobat said, "Get addicted to winning, this is just a start - not many teams have won back-to-back IPL, twice it has happened before, next year, IPL in Bengaluru - and we go again."
"So get addicted to the feeling tonight, because that feeling drives the hunger to go again next year. The addiction to winning that trophy, sharing these moments, will splurge your thoughts over and over again as we come back next year."
It has happened only twice when a team has successfully defended their IPL title - Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2010 and 2011 and Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2019 and 2020.
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With the IPL 2026 final set to be played in Bengaluru after RCB's sensational win this season, the franchise will be looking forward to repeat their heroics in front of the home crowd.
If they do win again in 2026, they will join elite teams CSK and MI to become the third team in history to successfully defend an IPL title.