Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their IPL crown with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, Virat Kohli produced a masterclass under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 75 from 42 deliveries to guide his side to a memorable triumph.
The veteran batter’s innings was packed with authority and intent. Kohli raced to his half-century in just 25 balls, the fastest IPL fifty of his illustrious career, and added another milestone to his remarkable legacy in the competition. His knock also secured him a place among an elite group of players who have produced the fastest half-centuries in IPL final history.
Players with fastest fifties in IPL final history
The IPL final is often regarded as the biggest stage in franchise cricket. With a title on the line and immense pressure from both opponents and supporters, scoring quickly in a summit clash is never easy. However, a select group of batters have embraced the occasion and delivered breathtaking innings when their teams needed them the most. Here are the players who have recorded the fastest fifties in IPL final history.
1. Suresh Raina (24 balls – CSK vs MI, IPL 2010)
Suresh Raina became the first player to register a 24-ball half-century in an IPL final during the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2010 summit clash at Navi Mumbai. The left-hander remained unbeaten on 57 from 35 deliveries, striking three fours and three sixes. Raina’s innings proved crucial in helping Chennai secure their maiden IPL title. To cap off a memorable performance, he also chipped in with a wicket and was named Player of the Match as CSK defeated Mumbai Indians by 22 runs.
2. David Warner (24 balls – SRH vs RCB, IPL 2016)
David Warner joined Raina on the list during the 2016 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from the front, the Australian opener blasted his way to a 24-ball fifty before eventually scoring 69 from just 38 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and three sixes, laying the platform for Hyderabad’s imposing total of 208/7. SRH eventually held their nerve to defeat RCB by eight runs and claim the first IPL title in franchise history.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (24 balls – KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024)
Venkatesh Iyer matched the record during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 final. Chasing a modest target of 114, the left-hander wasted little time in taking the game away from the opposition. Iyer brought up his fifty in just 24 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 52 from 26 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes as KKR completed one of the most comfortable run chases ever witnessed in an IPL final.
4. Rohit Sharma (25 balls – MI vs CSK, IPL 2015)
Rohit Sharma occupies the next spot on the list courtesy of his brilliant innings against Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 final at Eden Gardens. The Mumbai Indians captain led from the front and reached his half-century in only 25 deliveries. Rohit’s aggressive start gave Mumbai complete control of the contest and played a major role in their eventual title-winning performance. The innings remains one of the finest knocks produced by a captain in an IPL final.
5. Chris Gayle (25 balls – RCB vs SRH, IPL 2016)
Chris Gayle also features on the list after his explosive effort in the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing a daunting target, the West Indies superstar launched a trademark assault on the SRH bowling attack and raced to his fifty in just 25 deliveries. Although RCB eventually fell short in the chase, Gayle’s innings showcased the fearless approach that made him one of the most destructive batters in T20 history.
6. Virat Kohli (25 balls – RCB vs GT, IPL 2026)
Virat became the latest entrant on the list during the IPL 2026 final against GT in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, the RCB talisman played with unusual aggression from the outset and reached his half-century in only 25 balls. The milestone was particularly significant as it represented the fastest IPL fifty of Kohli’s career.
He went on to remain unbeaten on 75 from 42 deliveries, striking nine fours and three sixes, and guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory. The knock earned him the Player of the Match award and played a pivotal role in helping RCB become only the third franchise in IPL history to defend the title successfully.
