Royal Challengers Bengaluru efficiently defended their IPL title with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans within the IPL 2026 last on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Whereas the season was full of outstanding performances from younger abilities, the title conflict belonged to Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten 75 off 42 balls guided RCB to the trophy beneath stress.
The veteran batter’s heroics earned him the Participant of the Match award and positioned him second on the listing of the oldest cricketers to obtain the honour in an IPL last. At 37 years and 207 days, Kohli as soon as once more demonstrated that have stays one of the crucial invaluable belongings in high-stakes encounters.
Expertise shines on the largest stage
IPL finals typically produce moments the place seasoned campaigners rise above the stress. Through the years, a number of senior stars have delivered defining performances when it mattered most, proving that age isn’t any barrier to excellence.
5 oldest gamers to win the Participant of the Match award in an IPL last
1. Anil Kumble – 38 Years, 219 Days (2009 Closing)
Former India captain Anil Kumble stays the oldest participant to win the award in an IPL last. Main Royal Challengers Bangalore towards the Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg in 2009, Kumble produced a sensational spell of 4 for 16 in 4 overs.
Regardless of RCB ending up on the dropping facet, his bowling efficiency was so distinctive that he was named Participant of the Match. To this present day, he stays the one participant from a defeated group to obtain the award in an IPL last.
2. Virat Kohli – 37 Years, 207 Days (2026 Closing)
Kohli’s newest masterclass towards Gujarat Titans has secured him the second spot on this prestigious listing. Chasing a goal of 156 on a difficult floor, the RCB stalwart anchored the innings with authority and composure.
The appropriate-hander reached his half-century in simply 25 deliveries, his quickest IPL fifty, earlier than staying unbeaten until the tip to seal the title. His efficiency highlighted the worth of expertise in stress conditions and added one other memorable chapter to his illustrious IPL profession.
3. Faf du Plessis – 37 Years, 94 Days (2021 Closing)
Chennai Tremendous Kings opener Faf du Plessis performed a vital function within the franchise’s fourth title triumph in 2021. Dealing with Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai, the South African batter struck a superb 86 off 59 balls.
His innings laid the platform for CSK’s imposing complete, which ultimately proved an excessive amount of for KKR. Du Plessis’ consistency and calm method earned him the Participant of the Match award.
4. Shane Watson – 36 Years, 344 Days (2018 Closing)
One of many biggest innings in IPL last historical past got here from Shane Watson throughout Chennai Tremendous Kings’ profitable chase towards Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
After a gradual begin, Watson remodeled the competition with a wide ranging unbeaten 117 from 57 balls. His century turned a doubtlessly tough chase right into a one-sided affair and stays one of the crucial iconic last performances within the match’s historical past.
Additionally READ: IPL 2026 Final Ceremony: Complete List of Award Winners, Prize Money – Who Won Orange Cap, Purple Cap, MVP and Emerging Player?
5. Krunal Pandya – 34 Years, 71 Days (2025 Closing)
Krunal Pandya rounds off the highest 5 after his all-round contribution in RCB’s victorious IPL 2025 marketing campaign. The skilled all-rounder made key contributions with each bat and ball in the course of the summit conflict.
His capability to affect the sport in a number of departments proved very important as RCB secured their maiden IPL title, setting the stage for the championship-winning period that adopted.
Veteran stars proceed to outline dinals
The listing underlines a permanent pattern in T20 cricket. Whereas younger gamers typically dominate headlines in the course of the league section, finals often belong to those that possess years of expertise and the power to thrive beneath stress. Kohli’s efficiency within the 2026 last served as the most recent reminder that cricket’s largest events typically convey out one of the best in seasoned professionals. As IPL historical past continues to evolve, these veteran match-winners stay shining examples of how class and composure can outweigh age when a championship is on the road.
Additionally WATCH: IPL 2026 – Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma hit the dance floor after RCB’s title triumph
