Royal Challengers Bangalore Successfully defended their IPL title with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans In ipl 2026 Final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Although the season was full of remarkable performances from young talent, the title clash came from Virat KohliWhose unbeaten inning of 75 runs in 42 balls gave RCB the trophy under pressure.
The veteran batsman’s heroics earned him the Player of the Match award and placed him second in the list of oldest cricketers to receive the honor in an IPL final. At the age of 37 years and 207 days, Kohli once again showed that experience is one of the most valuable assets in high-risk encounters.
Experience shines on the biggest stage
There are often moments in the IPL final when experienced campaigners rise above the pressure. Over the years, many senior stars have delivered decisive performances when it mattered most, proving that age is no barrier to excellence.
5 oldest players to win Player of the Match award in IPL final
1. Anil Kumble – 38 years, 219 days (2009 Final)
former captain of india Anil Kumble He remains the oldest player to win the award in the IPL final. While leading Royal Challengers Bangalore against Deccan Chargers in Johannesburg in 2009, Kumble bowled sensationally, taking 4 for 16 in four overs.
Despite RCB losing, his bowling performance was so exceptional that he was named Player of the Match. To date, he remains the only player from the losing 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 earned him the second position in this prestigious list. Chasing a target of 156 on a challenging surface, the RCB stalwart carried the innings with authority and composure.
The right-handed batsman completed his half-century in just 25 balls, his fastest IPL half-century, before remaining unbeaten till the end and clinching 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 key role in the franchise’s fourth title win in 2021. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders in Dubai, the South African batsman scored a brilliant 86 runs off 59 balls.
His innings set the stage for CSK’s huge score, which ultimately proved too much for KKR. Du Plessis’s 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 shane watson During Chennai Super Kings’ successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
After a slow start, Watson turned the contest around with an unbeaten 117 off 57 balls. His century made a potentially difficult target one-sided and remains one of the most iconic final performances in the history of the tournament.
5. Krunal Pandya – 34 years, 71 days (2025 Final)
Krunal Pandya He breaks into the top five after his all-round contribution in RCB’s victorious IPL 2025 campaign. The experienced all-rounder made important 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 first IPL title and set the stage for the championship-winning era that followed.
Legendary stars continue to define Dynamite
This list highlights an enduring trend in T20 cricket. While young players often grab the spotlight during the league stage, the finals often belong to players who have 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 the history of the IPL evolves, these seasoned match-winners remain shining examples of how class and composure can outweigh age when the championship is at stake.
See also: IPL 2026 – Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma hit the dance floor after RCB’s title win