Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Successfully defended their IPL crown with a five-wicket win Gujarat Titans (GT) The 2026 final will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, Virat Kohli Performed a masterclass under pressure, remaining unbeaten on 75 off 42 balls to lead his team to a memorable win.
The experienced batsman’s innings was full of authority and intent. Kohli completed his half-century in just 25 balls, the fastest IPL half-century of his illustrious career, and added another milestone to his remarkable legacy in the competition. His innings earned him a place in the elite group of players who have scored the fastest half-century in the history of IPL finals.
Players who scored the fastest half-century in IPL final history
The IPL final is often considered the biggest stage of franchise cricket. With titles at stake and immense pressure from both opponents and supporters, it is never easy to score quickly in the summit clash. However, a select group of batsmen have risen to the occasion and played breathtaking innings when their teams needed them most. Here are the players who have recorded the fastest fifty in IPL final history.
1. Suresh Raina (24 balls – CSK vs MI, IPL 2010)
Suresh Raina Became the first player to register a half-century in 24 balls in the IPL final during the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) And Mumbai Indians (MI) At the summit in Navi Mumbai in 2010. This left-handed batsman remained unbeaten after scoring 57 runs in 35 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes. Raina’s inning proved important in helping Chennai win its first IPL title. In a memorable performance, he also took 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 Raina joined the list during the 2016 final against Royal Challengers Bangalore. leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) From the front, the Australian opener smashed a half-century in 24 balls and eventually scored 69 runs in just 38 balls. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, leading to a mammoth score of 208/7 for Hyderabad. SRH eventually showed courage to defeat RCB by eight runs and win the first IPL title in franchise history.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (24 balls – KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024)
Venkatesh Iyer The record was matched during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) And Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 final. Chasing a modest target of 114, the left-handed batsman wasted little time in taking the game away from the opposition. Iyer completed his half-century in just 24 balls and remained unbeaten on 52 runs in 26 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes as KKR completed one of the most comfortable run chases ever in an IPL final.
4. Rohit Sharma (25 balls – MI vs CSK, IPL 2015)
Rohit Sharma He is next on the list thanks to his brilliant innings against Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 final at the Eden Gardens. The Mumbai Indians captain led from the front and brought up his half-century in just 25 balls. Rohit’s aggressive start gave Mumbai complete control of the competition and played a major role in their eventual title win. This innings is one of the best innings made by a captain in the IPL final.
Also read: AB de Villiers praises Virat Kohli’s batting masterclass after RCB wins IPL 2026 title
5. Chris Gayle (25 balls – RCB vs SRH, IPL 2016)
chris gayle He has also been included in the list after his explosive effort in the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chasing a tough target, the West Indies superstar launched a trademark attack on the SRH bowling attack and brought up his half-century in just 25 balls. Although RCB ultimately failed to chase the target, Gayle’s innings demonstrated the fearless approach that has made him one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 history.
6. Virat Kohli (25 balls – RCB vs GT, IPL 2026)
Virat became the latest player to feature in the list during the IPL 2026 final against GT in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, the RCB talisman played with unusual aggression from the start and brought up his half-century in just 25 balls. The milestone was particularly significant as it was the fastest IPL half-century of Kohli’s career.
He remained unbeaten on 75 runs in 42 balls with the help of nine fours and three sixes and led Royal Challengers Bangalore to a five-wicket win. This innings earned him the Player of the Match award and was instrumental in RCB becoming the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend the title.
Also read: Top 5 bowlers who hit most sixes in an IPL season. Kagiso Rabada
