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Which team is the defending champion for IPL 2026?

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is the defending champion for the 2026 edition. RCB won its first IPL title in 2025 after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final. It was also the first IPL championship for Indian cricket star Virat Kohli, who has played for RCB since the IPL’s first season in 2008.