'Disappointment weighs heavy': Shubman Gill rues missed opportunity after IPL final loss to RCB

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill said the team's IPL 2026 final defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru was difficult to take, admitting they came close to the title but could not finish the job.

GT lost to RCB by five wickets in the final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31, ending their campaign as runners-up.

In a message posted on Instagram, Gill reflected on the loss and thanked fans for their support throughout the season.

"We came so close but couldn't get over the line. It hurts deeply, and the disappointment weighs heavy, but this game that we all love teaches us so much about life. One thing it's taught me is that there is no defeat in losing, as long as we keep coming back and not give up," Gill wrote.

"I want to thank each and every one of you who stood by us through the highs and the lows. Your energy pushed us to the very end," the Gujarat skipper added.

In the final, GT were asked to bat first and managed 155/8 in 20 overs. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, including five fours, while Nishant Sindhu made 20 from 18 balls with three fours.

For RCB, Rasikh Salam Dar picked up 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets each.

RCB's chase began with a 62-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. Venkatesh scored 32 off 16 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes.

GT fought back to reduce RCB to 132/5, but Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls, striking nine fours and three sixes, as RCB reached the target with two overs to spare.

The victory gave RCB their second IPL title and their fourth major franchise trophy overall, including two Women's Premier League titles.