Former India spinner and commentator Murali Kartik has revealed his IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament, selecting a lineup packed with power-hitters, match-winning all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers. While the squad features several of the season’s standout performers, the biggest talking point is the absence of Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, who enjoyed one of the finest batting seasons of the tournament.
Kartik unveiled his team during a discussion on Cricbuzz, emphasizing players who consistently influenced games through aggressive batting, crucial breakthroughs, and all-round contributions. His selections reflect the modern T20 template, where impact and strike rate often carry as much weight as aggregate runs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Sai Sudharsan headline explosive batting unit
At the top of the order, Kartik chose Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi as the Impact Player. The teenage star emerged as one of the biggest stories of IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs in 16 matches. His extraordinary strike rate of 237.31 redefined aggressive opening batting and made him an automatic selection.
Joining him is Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan, who once again showcased remarkable consistency. The left-handed batter accumulated 710 runs during the campaign and blended stability with attacking intent, making him one of the most reliable performers of the season.
The middle order is equally formidable. Virat Kohli retained his reputation as one of the league’s premier batters, scoring 600 runs at an average of 50. His ability to anchor innings while maintaining a healthy strike rate proved invaluable for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Former Mumbai Indians wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, now representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, earned a place after a season filled with aggressive stroke play. Kishan scored 602 runs and consistently provided explosive starts and momentum-shifting knocks.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar and Sunrisers Hyderabad finisher Heinrich Klaasen complete the batting lineup. Patidar’s fearless approach against spin and pace made him a crucial middle-order presence, while Klaasen once again established himself as one of the tournament’s most destructive finishers.
All-rounders provide depth and flexibility
Kartik’s team features a well-balanced all-round department led by Nitish Kumar Reddy, Krunal Pandya, and Sunil Narine. Nitish impressed throughout the season with his ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game, offering valuable runs and timely wickets. Krunal brought experience and control, frequently delivering impactful spells while also making important contributions with the bat.
Veteran Kolkata Knight Riders star Narine continued to prove his worth with the ball. His economical bowling and knack for picking wickets during crucial moments helped him secure a place in the side.
Pace attack packed with experience and firepower
The bowling unit combines swing, pace, and death-over expertise. Bhuvneshwar Kumar enjoyed a remarkable resurgence for RCB, finishing among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers with 26 scalps. Rajasthan Royals speedster Jofra Archer was selected for his ability to dismantle top orders with raw pace and bounce, while Gujarat Titans fast bowler Kagiso Rabada rounded out the attack after another outstanding season that saw him finish among the leading wicket-takers.
Shubman Gill’s exclusion sparks debate
Despite scoring 722 runs and leading Gujarat Titans with distinction, Gill could not find a place in Kartik’s final XI. The former spinner appeared to prioritize batting combinations and strike-rate impact over pure run accumulation. With Suryavanshi, Sudharsan, Kohli, and Kishan already occupying the top-order slots, Kartik opted for a combination that balanced consistency with attacking intent. Nevertheless, Gill’s omission is likely to generate plenty of debate among fans, given his exceptional season and leadership throughout IPL 2026.
Murali Kartik’s IPL 2026 Team of the Tournament
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Impact Player), Sai Sudharsan, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan, Rajat Patidar, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Krunal Pandya, Sunil Narine, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jofra Archer, Kagiso Rabada.
