The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 delivered another action-packed season filled with stunning performances. From teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's historic Orange Cap-winning campaign to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defending their coveted title, the tournament produced plenty of standout moments across two months of high-octane action. With the season now wrapped up, former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to his YouTube channel to reveal his best XII of the tournament, rewarding the players who consistently delivered and played pivotal roles in their franchises' success. Notably, five players from the champion RCB squad earned a spot in his lineup, while Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Shubman Gill was entrusted with the captaincy.
Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill in Virat Kohli's best playing XII of IPL 2026
For his opening combination, Ashwin selected Rajasthan Royals (RR) sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi following one of the greatest individual seasons in IPL history. The 15-year-old completely dominated bowling attacks to finish as the tournament's leading run-scorer, amassing 776 runs in 16 matches at a staggering strike rate of 237.31, while smashing an all-time record of 72 sixes along the way.
Partnering the young prodigy at the top of the order is Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill, who once again showcased his remarkable consistency throughout the campaign. Gill guided his team all the way to the final by scoring 732 runs in 17 matches, maintaining an impressive average of nearly 46 and a strike rate exceeding 163. This stellar leadership and batting form earned him the captaincy role in Ashwin's star-studded team.
Ashwin slotted Virat Kohli in at the number three position, despite the veteran star having opened the batting for Royal Challengers Bengaluru throughout the season. Kohli was instrumental in anchoring RCB's successful title-defending campaign, amassed 675 runs at a stellar average of 56.25 and a brisk 165.84 strike rate. His season culminated in a magnificent, match-winning unbeaten 75 in the grand finale against the Gujarat Titans.
To bolster the middle order, Ashwin picked Sunrisers Hyderabad powerhouse Heinrich Klaasen at number four. The destructive South African wicketkeeper-batter maintained his reputation as one of the most feared clean-hitters in T20 cricket, hammering 624 runs at an average of 48. He is followed at number five by RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who earned his spot after expertly leading his franchise to back-to-back IPL trophies while plundering 501 runs at a breathtaking strike rate of 192.69.
Ashwin's bowling unit features a potent blend of world-class pace and elite spin. Chennai Super Kings' dynamic all-rounder Jamie Overton earned his place by snaring 14 wickets in just 10 matches at a phenomenal average under 18. He is paired with Kolkata Knight Riders' veteran mystery spinner Sunil Narine, who remained virtually unplayable, picking up 15 wickets while maintaining a characteristically parsimonious economy rate of 6.64.
The frontline fast-bowling attack is spearheaded by Purple Cap winner Kagiso Rabada, who enjoyed a sensational tournament with 29 wickets in 17 matches for the Gujarat Titans. Partnering him is RCB veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who experienced a spectacular career resurgence to finish right behind Rabada with 28 wickets at an average under 18. Finally, Ashwin selected Rajasthan Royals speedster Jofra Archer as his designated Impact Player, utilizing the Englishman's high-octane pace and lethal accuracy that yielded 25 wickets across 16 appearances.
R Ashwin's best XII of IPL 2026:
Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Rajat Patidar, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Krunal Pandya, Jamie Overton, Kagiso Rabada, Sunil Narine, Jofra Archer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar