Virat Kohli's Historic Performance Leads RCB to IPL Victory

Virat Kohli's outstanding performance in the 2026 IPL final has not only secured victory for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru but also set multiple records. With an unbeaten 75 runs, Kohli achieved the fastest half-century of his IPL career and became the second player ever to win the Player of the Match award in both the IPL and T20 World Cup finals. His historic achievements include being the oldest player to score a fifty in a winning IPL final. Discover more about Kohli's record-breaking night and its significance in cricket history.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 1, 2026, 01:36 IST

RCB Clinches IPL Title with Kohli's Stellar Performance

Virat Kohli made headlines by leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to victory in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, where he was awarded the Player of the Match (POTM). The 37-year-old cricketer showcased his skills with an impressive unbeaten score of 75 runs off just 42 deliveries, helping his team secure a five-wicket win with 12 balls remaining. Kohli's remarkable innings included a record-setting half-century, achieved in just 25 balls, marking the fastest of his IPL career. He capped off the match by hitting a six off the final ball bowled by Arshad Khan.

Kohli's Record-Breaking Achievements

With this performance, Kohli has become only the second player globally to earn the POTM award in both the IPL and the T20 World Cup finals, a feat previously accomplished by Indian cricket star Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah received the POTM accolade in the 2019 IPL final while playing for the Mumbai Indians against the Chennai Super Kings and again in this year's T20 World Cup against New Zealand after a stellar four-wicket performance. Additionally, this marks the fourth time Kohli has scored a half-century in a T20 final, tying him for the most such scores with other notable players. He has achieved this in two IPL finals and both the 2014 and 2024 T20 World Cup finals.

Players with Four Fifties in T20 Finals

Player	Innings Played
Hamilton Masakadza	5
Virat Kohli	9
Dwayne Smith	10
Chris Gayle	13

Moreover, Kohli is the first Indian to achieve four fifties in T20 finals, surpassing the previous record held by Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma, who each had three. His two fifties in IPL finals tie him with several players, including Rohit, Raina, and others. At 37 years and 207 days, Kohli is the second-oldest player to win the POTM award in an IPL final, following Anil Kumble. He is also the oldest player to score a fifty in a winning IPL final, ranking third overall in age for such achievements.