Million-Dollar Moments: What the Top Four Franchises Took Home After IPL 2026
The Champions Crowned
The conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 marked a historic milestone as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their title, securing their second consecutive championship. Their dominant run through the season culminated in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where they clinched victory by five wickets with two overs to spare.
A Look at the Prize Purse
Success on the field translates to significant financial rewards. For their stellar performance throughout the 2026 campaign, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been awarded a grand prize of INR 20 crore. The runners-up, Gujarat Titans, showcased immense resilience throughout the season and will take home a substantial INR 12.5 crore for their efforts.
The battle for the remaining spots in the top four was equally intense. Rajasthan Royals, having reached the penultimate stages, will receive INR 7 crore following their performance. Sunrisers Hyderabad, who faced a tough exit in the eliminator round against the Royals, will secure INR 6.5 crore. These figures underscore the competitive nature of the league, where every match directly impacts the financial standing of the franchises.
The Final Showdown and Individual Brilliance
The final match was defined by the legendary Virat Kohli, who was rightfully named Player of the Match. His unbeaten knock of 75 runs off just 42 balls—decorated with nine boundaries and three sixes—set the tone for RCB’s chase. Notably, Kohli reached his half-century in just 25 balls, marking his fastest-ever fifty in the history of the league.
While RCB dominated the headlines, individual talent shone brightly elsewhere. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of the Rajasthan Royals finished the season as the leading run-getter and the most prolific six-hitter, cementing his status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Reflections from the Gujarat Titans Camp
Gujarat Titans skipper Shubman Gill offered a candid assessment of the final. Despite a valiant effort, Gill felt that the Titans fell short of their potential total. Reflecting on the loss, the 26-year-old stated, “We could have scored close to 180 or 190, and it would have been a good game.”
Gill pointed to the early loss of wickets as a critical factor that disrupted their batting momentum. Furthermore, he noted that the powerplay overs proved costly. “Feel we gave away 15-20 runs more in the powerplay overs. Could have restricted RCB to 50-55 runs, and that could have given us some chance. Had we picked some early wickets in the powerplay overs, then we could have been in the game,” he explained.
Building for the Future
Despite the disappointment of the final, the Gujarat Titans captain remains proud of his squad’s journey. Having recovered from a difficult start to the season where they lost their first two games, the team’s ability to bounce back and challenge their opponents consistently was a source of pride for the leadership.
“Our team has some of the best bowlers this season. The way we came back after losing the first two games and then to improve and push yourself and challenge each other during the course of the season makes me happy,” Gill concluded. As the IPL 2026 concludes, these franchises now look toward the future, having solidified their positions as the powerhouses of modern T20 cricket.
