Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL title with a five-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the season was packed with remarkable performances from young talents, the title clash belonged to Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten 75 off 42 balls guided RCB to the trophy under pressure.
The veteran batter’s heroics earned him the Player of the Match award and placed him second on the list of the oldest cricketers to receive the honour in an IPL final. At 37 years and 207 days, Kohli once again demonstrated that experience remains one of the most valuable assets in high-stakes encounters.
Experience shines on the biggest stage
IPL finals often produce moments where seasoned campaigners rise above the pressure. Over the years, several senior stars have delivered defining performances when it mattered most, proving that age is no barrier to excellence.
5 oldest players to win the Player of the Match award in an IPL final
1. Anil Kumble – 38 Years, 219 Days (2009 Final)
Former India captain Anil Kumble remains the oldest player to win the award in an IPL final. Leading Royal Challengers Bangalore against the Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg in 2009, Kumble produced a sensational spell of 4 for 16 in four overs.
Despite RCB ending up on the losing side, his bowling performance was so exceptional that he was named Player of the Match. To this day, he remains the only player from a defeated team to receive the award in an IPL final.
2. Virat Kohli – 37 Years, 207 Days (2026 Final)
Kohli’s latest masterclass against Gujarat Titans has secured him the second spot on this prestigious list. Chasing a target of 156 on a challenging surface, the RCB stalwart anchored the innings with authority and composure.
The right-hander reached his half-century in just 25 deliveries, his fastest IPL fifty, before staying unbeaten till the end to seal the title. His performance highlighted the value of experience in pressure situations and added another memorable chapter to his illustrious IPL career.
3. Faf du Plessis – 37 Years, 94 Days (2021 Final)
Chennai Super Kings opener Faf du Plessis played a crucial role in the franchise’s fourth title triumph in 2021. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai, the South African batter struck a brilliant 86 off 59 balls.
His innings laid the platform for CSK’s imposing total, which eventually proved too much for KKR. Du Plessis’ consistency and calm approach earned him the Player of the Match award.
4. Shane Watson – 36 Years, 344 Days (2018 Final)
One of the greatest innings in IPL final history came from Shane Watson during Chennai Super Kings’ successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
After a slow start, Watson transformed the contest with a breathtaking unbeaten 117 from 57 balls. His century turned a potentially difficult chase into a one-sided affair and remains one of the most iconic final performances in the tournament’s history.
5. Krunal Pandya – 34 Years, 71 Days (2025 Final)
Krunal Pandya rounds off the top five after his all-round contribution in RCB’s victorious IPL 2025 campaign. The experienced all-rounder made key contributions with both bat and ball during the summit clash.
His ability to influence the game in multiple departments proved vital as RCB secured their maiden IPL title, setting the stage for the championship-winning era that followed.
Veteran stars continue to define dinals
The list underlines an enduring trend in T20 cricket. While young players often dominate headlines during the league phase, finals frequently belong to those who possess years of experience and the ability to thrive under pressure. Kohli’s performance in the 2026 final served as the latest reminder that cricket’s biggest occasions often bring out the best in seasoned professionals. As IPL history continues to evolve, these veteran match-winners remain shining examples of how class and composure can outweigh age when a championship is on the line.
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