IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament: Kohli, Sooryavanshi & More

IPL 2026 delivered one of the most entertaining seasons in tournament history. From the rise of a 15-year-old phenomenon to Virat Kohli leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to back-to-back titles, this season had everything. Selecting a Team of the Tournament was never going to be easy.

ALSO READ: RCB Go Back-to-Back After Beating Gujarat Titans in IPL Final.

But based on consistency, impact, match-winning performances, and overall influence throughout IPL 2026, this is the BetJets Team of the Tournament.

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Player of the Tournament)

No player captured the imagination of the cricket world quite like Sooryavanshi.

At just 15 years old, the Rajasthan Royals sensation shattered records throughout the tournament and produced one of the greatest playoff innings in IPL history with his astonishing 97 off 29 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

He finished as the leading run scorer (776 runs at a strike rate of 237.30) while also breaking the record for most sixes (76) in a single IPL season.

What makes his season even more remarkable is that he did it while carrying virtually no fear. IPL 2026 belonged to him.

2. Virat Kohli

Big players define big moments. Kohli once again proved why he remains one of the greatest players in IPL history.

The RCB veteran combined consistency with leadership throughout the campaign before delivering an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in the final against Gujarat Titans.

While younger stars grabbed headlines, Kohli remained the heartbeat of another championship-winning side.

3. Ishan Kishan (Wicketkeeper)

Ishan Kishan produced arguably his most complete IPL season in years.

His ability to attack aggressively in the Powerplay gave his side repeated momentum early in innings, while his wicketkeeping remained reliable throughout the campaign. Few wicketkeeper-batters influenced matches as consistently.

4. Heinrich Klaasen

Once again, Klaasen proved why he is one of the most destructive middle-order batters in world cricket. His ability to dominate spin bowling completely changed matches throughout the season.

When pressure situations emerged, Klaasen repeatedly delivered explosive innings that kept Sunrisers Hyderabad competitive.

Very few players strike the ball cleaner.

5. Rajat Patidar (C)

Leading a title-winning side while producing consistent performances with the bat earns Patidar both a place in the XI and the captaincy.

Under his leadership, RCB successfully defended their title and showed far greater balance than previous Bengaluru sides.

Patidar’s calmness and tactical decision-making became increasingly important throughout the playoffs.

6. Krunal Pandya

Krunal delivered one of the most underrated seasons in the competition. His value came through versatility.

Whether contributing crucial runs in the middle order, controlling the tempo with the ball, or providing leadership in pressure situations, Krunal consistently influenced matches.

Every successful T20 side needs players like him.

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy

Nitish continues to develop into one of India’s most exciting all-round prospects. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives balance to any XI, while his maturity under pressure stood out throughout IPL 2026.

Several of Sunrisers Hyderabad’s most important performances involved Reddy making key contributions.

8. Rashid Khan

Even in a tournament dominated by batting, Rashid remained one of the most dangerous bowlers in the IPL.

His control during the middle overs repeatedly restricted opposition scoring rates, while his wicket-taking ability continued to change games.

Few players in world cricket remain as reliable year after year.

9. Jofra Archer

Fully fit and firing again, Archer reminded everyone why he remains one of the most feared fast bowlers in T20 cricket. He finished third in the race for the Purple Cap, with 25 wickets.

His pace, bounce, and ability to strike early gave Rajasthan Royals a genuine match-winner with the new ball. At his best, Archer remains almost impossible to replace.

10. Kagiso Rabada

Rabada delivered exactly what elite fast bowlers are expected to provide:

• wickets,
• pressure,
• and control during key moments.

Whether bowling with the new ball or at the death, he consistently delivered against the strongest batting lineups in the competition.

The South African once again proved why he remains one of the premier fast bowlers in world cricket as he walked away with the Purple Cap (29 wickets)

11. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Experience still matters. Bhuvneshwar’s ability to swing the new ball and execute under pressure made him one of the most effective bowlers of IPL 2026.

While younger quicks often rely on pace alone, Bhuvneshwar continues to dominate through intelligence, variation, and exceptional control. He finished second just behind Rabada in the race for the Purple Cap. His 28 wickets played a massive role in RCB defending their crown.

His consistency earns him the final place in this XI.