Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) successfully defended their IPL crown with a five-wicket win over Gujarat Titans (GT) In the 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. to pursue 156, Virat Kohli Unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries, he produced a masterclass under pressure and led his team to a memorable victory.
The veteran batter’s batting was full of authority and intent. Kohli raced to his half-century off just 25 balls, the fastest IPL fifty of his illustrious career and added yet another milestone to his remarkable legacy in the competition. His knock also secured him a place among the elite group of players who have produced the fastest half-century in the history of an IPL final.
Players with fastest fifty in IPL finals history
The IPL final is often considered the biggest stage in franchise cricket. With the title on the line and huge pressure from both rivals and supporters, scoring a quick goal in a top-flight clash is never easy. However, a select group of batsmen rose to the occasion and produced breathtaking knocks when their team needed them the most. Here are the players who have scored the fastest fifties in IPL finals history.
1. Suresh Raina (24 balls – CSK vs MI, IPL 2010)
Suresh Raina became the first player to register a 24-ball half-century in an IPL final during a match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) Confrontation at the 2010 summit in Navi Mumbai. The left-hander was unbeaten on 57 off 35 deliveries, hitting three fours and three sixes. Raina’s innings proved crucial in securing Chennai their maiden IPL title. To top off a memorable performance, he also played wicket and was adjudged Man of the Match as CSK beat Mumbai Indians by 22 runs.
2. David Warner (24 balls – SRH vs RCB, IPL 2016)
David Warner Raina joined the list in the 2016 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Leading Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) from the front, the Australian opener made 24 off-ball fifties and eventually scored 69 off just 38 deliveries. His innings featured eight boundaries and three sixes, setting the platform for Hyderabad’s impressive total of 208/7. SRH eventually pulled off an upset to defeat RCB by eight runs and clinch their first IPL title in the franchise’s history.
3. Venkatesh Iyer (24 balls – KKR vs SRH, IPL 2024)
Venkatesh Iyer matched the record during the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2024 final. Chasing a modest target of 114, the left-hander wasted little time in taking the game from his opponent. Iyer brought up his fifty in just 24 deliveries and finished with an unbeaten 52 off 26 balls. His innings included four fours and three sixes as KKR completed one of the most comfortable runs witnessed 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 knock against Chennai Super Kings in the 2015 final at Eden Gardens. The Mumbai Indians captain led from the front and reached his half-century off just 25 deliveries. Rohit’s aggressive start gave Mumbai complete control of the contest and played a major role in their eventual title win. The innings remains one of the finest knocks ever produced by a captain in an IPL final.
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5. Chris Gayle (25 balls – RCB vs SRH, IPL 2016)
Chris Gayle He also features in the list after his explosive try against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2016 final. Chasing a tough target, the West Indies superstar launched a trademark assault on the SRH bowling attack and reached his fifty in just 25 deliveries. Although RCB eventually fell short in the chase, Gayle’s knock showcased his fearless approach that made him one of the most devastating knocks in T20 history.
6. Virat Kohli (25 balls – RCB vs GT, IPL 2026)
Virat was the last man on the list in the IPL 2026 final against GT in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156, the RCB talisman played with extraordinary aggression from the start and reached his half-century off just 25 balls. The milestone was particularly significant as it represented the fastest IPL fifty of Kohli’s career.
He remained unbeaten on 75 off 42 deliveries, hitting nine fours and three sixes to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a five-wicket victory. The knock earned him the Player of the Match award and was instrumental in helping RCB become the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend their title.
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