Kulgam Bowler Stars as RCB Clinch IPL 2026 Title | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Young Jammu and Kashmir pacer Rasikh Salam Dar played a decisive role as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by five wickets to clinch the IPL 2026 title, marking a notable achievement for cricket in the Union Territory.

Dar delivered an impressive spell of 3 for 27 in his four overs, helping restrict Gujarat Titans to 155 for eight in the final. The fast bowler struck at crucial moments and maintained discipline throughout his spell to keep Gujarat under pressure.

He was well supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who claimed two wickets each, while Krunal Pandya contributed one wicket. For Gujarat, Washington Sundar top-scored with a resilient 50, but lacked support as wickets fell regularly at the other end.

In reply, RCB made a brisk start, crossing the 50-run mark inside the opening four overs to take firm control of the chase. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent 75 off 42 deliveries, including nine boundaries and three sixes, while Venkatesh Iyer added momentum with a rapid 32 off 16 balls. Rashid Khan briefly applied pressure by dismissing captain Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya in the same over, but RCB comfortably reached the target in 18 overs.

RCB had secured a direct place in the final after defeating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1, while Gujarat advanced after overcoming Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2.

Dar capped off a breakthrough IPL 2026 season with 19 wickets for RCB. His campaign featured a standout spell of 4 for 24 against Lucknow Super Giants, along with vital contributions during the play-offs and the final.

His performance in the title clash is being seen as a significant milestone for Jammu and Kashmir cricket, underlining the growing presence of players from the region on Indian cricket’s biggest domestic stage.