RCB Clinches IPL 2026 Title: Highlights and Team of the Tournament
RCB's Historic Victory
The IPL 2026 season has come to a thrilling conclusion, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) emerging victorious for the second consecutive year. This achievement marks RCB as the first team, aside from Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), to secure back-to-back championships. The season was characterized by explosive powerplays, the resurgence of veteran players, and the emergence of a remarkable teenage talent. Below are our selections for the Team of the Tournament:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
The 15-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, not only set records but also revolutionized the approach to powerplays. He claimed the Orange Cap with an impressive total of 776 runs at a staggering strike rate of 237.30. Sooryavanshi broke Chris Gayle's long-standing record for the most sixes in a single IPL season, hitting 72 sixes, and recorded the fastest century of the season in just 36 balls.
Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
While Sooryavanshi dazzled with his fireworks, Sai Sudharsan provided the necessary stability for the Gujarat Titans. He finished the tournament with 722 runs, playing a crucial role in leading GT to the finals. His consistency was highlighted by a tournament-high of 8 half-centuries and a pivotal century, making him the perfect complement to the aggressive opener.
Ishan Kishan (wk) (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Ishan Kishan (wk) (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Ishan Kishan had a standout season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished fourth in the IPL. With a strike rate of 182.42, he amassed 602 runs, consistently dominating opposition bowlers during the middle overs. Additionally, he stepped up as captain during Pat Cummins' absence in the first half of the season.
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Heinrich Klaasen emerged as the highest run-scorer for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 624 runs. This season marked a record for the most runs scored by a batter batting at number four or lower in a single IPL season. His partnership with Kishan made the SRH middle-order a formidable challenge for bowlers.
Rajat Patidar (c) (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Rajat Patidar (c) (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Rajat Patidar captained this XI, becoming the fourth captain in IPL history to win multiple titles, following in the footsteps of MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Gautam Gambhir. He was instrumental in the middle order for RCB, scoring 486 runs, including five fifties. His remarkable innings of 93 not out off just 33 balls against GT in Qualifier 1 was a highlight.
Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Nitish Kumar Reddy emerged as a crucial pace-bowling all-rounder, scoring 302 runs and significantly impacting matches in the final overs with a strike rate of 171.59. His reliability with the ball was evident as he took 11 important wickets during key phases of the game.
Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Krunal Pandya's contributions as an all-rounder extended beyond his statistics. His left-arm spin proved effective in restricting runs during the middle overs, capturing 9 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 7.45. He also scored 212 runs, including a vital 43-run innings in Qualifier 1, showcasing his importance in high-pressure situations.
Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans)
Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans)
Joining the Gujarat Titans mid-season, Jason Holder made a significant impact, taking 17 wickets with a commendable economy rate of 7.54. His ability to generate steep bounce and subtle variations during the death overs was crucial for GT's journey to the finals.
Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Sunil Narine continues to be a statistical marvel even after 15 IPL seasons. He took 15 wickets at an economy of 6.65, playing a pivotal role in Kolkata Knight Riders' resurgence in the latter half of the tournament, keeping them in playoff contention until the final day despite a rough start.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the RCB bowling attack to their second consecutive title, finishing second in the Purple Cap race with 28 wickets. His skill in swinging the new ball and executing precise yorkers during crucial moments provided essential control in high-scoring matches.
Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)
Kagiso Rabada was instrumental in leading the GT bowling attack to the finals, claiming 29 wickets and earning the Purple Cap for the most wickets in the tournament. His performance solidified the Titans' status as the best bowling unit of IPL 2026.