The Times of India published its IPL 2026 team of the season, naming Rajat Patidar as captain and placing Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Virat Kohli at the top [1].
The selection reflects the dominant performances of the 2026 season, highlighting a shift in leadership and the rise of new talent within the Indian Premier League. It serves as a benchmark for the year's most impactful players.
Patidar earned the captaincy after steering the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a second IPL title [1]. His leadership was a defining factor in the team's success during the tournament.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's inclusion at the top of the list follows significant public support. In a Times of India online poll, Sooryavanshi received 89% of the votes for the most promising player [3]. This popularity aligned with broader expectations for his team, as 39% of poll respondents had named Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the playoff favorites [4].
The 2026 season was marked by unprecedented batting displays across the league. For the first time in the competition's history, all 10 IPL teams recorded at least one centurion in a single season [2]. This trend of high scoring contributed to the selection of the season's top performers.
Virat Kohli continues to be a focal point of the league's elite, appearing alongside Sooryavanshi at the top of the curated list [1]. The ensemble of players chosen by the publication emphasizes a blend of veteran consistency, and emerging brilliance.
“Rajat Patidar steered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a second IPL title”
The 2026 season represents a historical anomaly in batting efficiency, evidenced by every franchise producing a century. The recognition of Patidar and Sooryavanshi suggests a transition in the league's power dynamics, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru has moved from perennial contenders to champions, while new players are gaining immediate, widespread popularity through digital fan engagement.
