While the IPL 2026 season had several good games with lots of runs scored, successful chases, and exceptional individual performances, there is always a player who makes a statement above the rest. It was Rajasthan Royals' young star Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who made an unforgettable impact. The IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament comprises players whose performances have determined the results of their teams. Be it seasoned stars like Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar or fresh faces who managed to shine and make a statement, here is the XII that made a difference during the final season where Royal Challengers Bengaluru won another IPL title.

The lineup consists of powerful batsmen, solid all-rounders, and destructive bowlers. There were players in the lineup for whom this was a career-best season, whereas others have proven once again why they deserve to be called top T20 players.

IPL 2026 Best XII

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Sooryavanshi was the outstanding player of the season. The young boy, who is just 15 years old, accumulated 776 runs out of 16 matches in 237.30 SR and an average of 48.50. He hit one hundred and five fifties, ruling over all attacks with his batting. His batting in the playoffs and six hitting took him to the face of IPL 2026.

2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Kohli delivered another remarkable season with 675 runs from 16 innings. He averaged 56.25 and scored at a strike rate of 165.84. The veteran opener combined consistency with aggression and capped his campaign by producing his fastest IPL fifty in the final to help Bengaluru retain the trophy.

3. Ishan Kishan (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

It was Kishan’s most successful season in the IPL. He amassed a total of 602 runs in 15 innings at an average strike rate of 182.42. Six of his seven half-centuries came under vital circumstances when he made substantial contributions in high-chase and pressure games for Hyderabad.

4. Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) - Captain

Patidar led from the front throughout Bengaluru's title-winning campaign. He scored 501 runs at a strike rate of 192.69 and averaged 41.75. Operating in the middle order, he consistently accelerated innings and produced one of the season's best playoff knocks against Gujarat Titans.

 

5. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Klaasen produced a historic season from the middle order. He amassed 624 runs in 15 innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 160. His six fifties helped stabilize Hyderabad's batting unit, while his ability to switch gears made him one of the most reliable finishers in the tournament.

6. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Reddy provided balance with both bat and ball. He scored 302 runs at a strike rate of 171.59 and also claimed eight wickets. His late-order hitting changed games quickly, while his useful bowling delivered key breakthroughs across the season.

7. Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Krunal once again proved his value as a complete all-rounder. He scored 226 runs and picked up 14 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 8.41. His ability to contribute in different roles helped Bengaluru control crucial phases of matches.

8. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Narine remained one of the toughest bowlers to score against. He claimed 15 wickets in 13 matches and finished with an outstanding economy rate of 6.64. His tight spells played a major role in Kolkata's late push for a playoff place.

9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Bhuvneshwar delivered one of the finest bowling campaigns of IPL 2026. He took 28 wickets in 16 matches at an average of 17.89 and an economy rate below eight. His impact in both the powerplay and death overs made him a central figure in Bengaluru's successful title defence.

10. Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans)

Rabada finished as one of the season's leading wicket-takers with 29 wickets from 17 matches. He consistently struck with the new ball and led Gujarat's pace attack throughout their run to the final. His ability to remove top-order batters set the tone for many victories.

11. Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)

Archer spearheaded Rajasthan's bowling unit with 25 wickets in 16 matches. Fourteen of those came during the powerplay, highlighting his influence with the new ball. He also contributed useful lower-order runs and remained a match-winner throughout the campaign.

12. Sakib Hussain (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

The final spot goes to Sakib Hussain, who impressed in his debut IPL season. The 21-year-old claimed 15 wickets in 11 matches despite regularly bowling during the toughest overs. His performances in key victories underlined his growing reputation as a dependable death-over specialist.