The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 delivered another unforgettable season filled with record-breaking performances, emerging superstars and several individual masterclasses. From Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s historic Orange Cap-winning campaign to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defending their title, the tournament produced plenty of standout moments across two months of action.
With the season now wrapped up, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has revealed his best XII of IPL 2026 on his YouTube channel. Ashwin’s selections largely reward players who consistently delivered throughout the season, while also recognising those who played key roles in their franchises’ success. Notably, five players from champions RCB found a place in his special team, while Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill was entrusted with the captaincy.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Shubman Gill headline Ravichandran Ashwin’s top order
Ashwin selected Rajasthan Royals (RR) sensation Suryavanshi as one of his openers after the youngster enjoyed one of the greatest individual seasons in IPL history. The 15-year-old finished as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.31, smashing a record 72 sixes along the way.
Joining him at the top is Gujarat Titans captain Shubman, who once again showcased remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. Gill amassed 732 runs in 17 matches at an average of nearly 46 and a strike rate exceeding 163, guiding GT to the final. Ashwin also named Gill as captain of his best XII.
Interestingly, Virat Kohli was slotted in at No. 3 despite opening the batting throughout the season. Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, scoring 675 runs at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, including his match-winning unbeaten 75 in the IPL 2026 final.
Rajat Patidar, Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy strengthen the middle order
At No. 4, Ashwin picked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen, who continued his dominance in T20 cricket with 624 runs at an average of 48. The South African wicketkeeper-batter once again proved to be one of the most destructive players in the competition.
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar occupies the fifth position after leading the franchise to back-to-back IPL titles. Patidar scored 501 runs during the season while maintaining a remarkable strike rate of 192.69, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the tournament.
Nitish Kumar Reddy was selected at No. 6 following another productive season with SRH. The Indian all-rounder contributed more than 300 runs and also chipped in with eight wickets, providing excellent balance to his side. Krunal Pandya completes Ashwin’s top seven after another impactful season with RCB. The experienced all-rounder contributed 226 runs and 14 wickets, while also delivering a match-defining spell in the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans.
Overseas stars dominate Ashwin’s bowling attack
Ashwin’s bowling unit features a strong blend of pace and spin. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Jamie Overton earned a place after picking up 14 wickets in just 10 matches at an average below 18 and an economy rate of 8.89. Veteran spinner Sunil Narine was another automatic selection after another economical campaign for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Narine claimed 15 wickets while maintaining an outstanding economy rate of just 6.64 across the season.
The pace attack is led by Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada, who finished IPL 2026 with 29 wickets in 17 matches for Gujarat Titans. Alongside him is RCB veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who enjoyed a remarkable resurgence and ended the season with 28 wickets at an average under 18. As his Impact Player, Ashwin selected Rajasthan Royals speedster Jofra Archer, who registered 25 wickets in 16 appearances and consistently troubled opposition batters with his pace and accuracy.
R Ashwin’s best XII of IPL 2026: Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Shubman Gill (c), Virat Kohli, Heinrich Klaasen, Rajat Patidar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Krunal Pandya, Jamie Overton, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kagiso Rabada, Jofra Archer
