Days after Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL title with a victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has shared his Team of the Tournament, featuring several standout performers from the season.
One of the biggest talking points from Ashwin’s selection was his decision to place Virat Kohli at No. 3 rather than as an opener, despite the RCB star enjoying a successful campaign at the top of the order.
Sooryavanshi and Gill Chosen as Openers
Ashwin named Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill as his preferred opening pair. Sooryavanshi emerged as one of the biggest success stories of IPL 2026, finishing the season as the tournament’s highest run-scorer and claiming the Orange Cap.
Gill, meanwhile, played a crucial role in guiding Gujarat Titans to the final with a series of impactful performances throughout the season.
Kohli Occupies No. 3 Spot
While Kohli was one of RCB’s most reliable performers and finished with 675 runs, Ashwin opted to slot the veteran batter at No. 3 in his dream lineup.
The former India captain played a major role in Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign, including an unbeaten innings in the final that helped his side secure a memorable victory.
Klaasen, Patidar and Nitish Reddy Make the Cut
Ashwin’s middle order featured Sunrisers Hyderabad wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen at No. 4 after another productive IPL season.
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who impressed with his aggressive batting and leadership, was selected at No. 5. Nitish Kumar Reddy earned the all-rounder’s role after contributing with both bat and ball during the tournament.
Krunal Pandya was included as another all-round option after playing a key role in RCB’s championship-winning season.
Strong Bowling Attack Selected
Ashwin’s bowling unit combined experience with match-winning ability. The attack featured Sunil Narine, Jamie Overton, Kagiso Rabada, and veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Bhuvneshwar finished among the leading wicket-takers of the season, collecting 28 wickets and consistently delivering breakthroughs for his side.
For the Impact Player role, Ashwin chose England fast bowler Jofra Archer.
Ashwin Credits RCB’s Key Figures
While discussing Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic title triumph, Ashwin praised several individuals who he believes played a significant role in the franchise’s success.
He highlighted head coach Andy Flower, team director Mo Bobat, mentor Dinesh Karthik, captain Rajat Patidar, and senior batter Virat Kohli as some of the most influential figures behind RCB’s championship campaign.
Ashwin also suggested that Bengaluru could remain a dominant force in the coming seasons if they continue building on the momentum generated by their IPL 2026 triumph.
Ashwin’s IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
- Shubman Gill (Captain)
- Virat Kohli
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Rajat Patidar
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Krunal Pandya
- Sunil Narine
- Jamie Overton
- Kagiso Rabada
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Impact Player: Jofra Archer
