![Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Rajat Patidar [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1780401071065_VaibhavSooryavanshi (5).jpg)
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Rajat Patidar [Source: AFP]
IPL 2026 delivered plenty of unforgettable moments. The season witnessed several young stars stepping up under pressure and producing match-winning performances when their teams needed them the most.
While Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their second IPL trophy, many individual innings stood out for their quality and impact.
Here is a look at the five best knocks of IPL 2026, along with their ratings.
Best Knocks of IPL 2026
5. Tilak Varma in GT vs MI (101* off 45)– 7.5/10
Tilak Varma emerged as Mumbai Indians’ biggest hero during their league-stage clash against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Mumbai had struggled for consistency throughout the IPL 2026 season. Therefore, the team needed someone to take responsibility in a difficult situation.
The innings started on a worrying note for Mumbai Indians. Quinton de Kock departed for 13, while Danish Malewar managed only 2 runs. As a result, Mumbai found themselves in trouble at 44/3 inside six overs.
At that stage, Tilak Varma joined Naman Dhir in the middle. Together, they steadied the innings with a valuable partnership. Initially, the scoring rate remained under control. Nevertheless, Tilak gradually shifted gears and began attacking the bowlers with confidence.
His transformation was remarkable. He moved from 19 runs off 22 balls to a fifty in just 33 deliveries. Thereafter, he completely dominated the Gujarat bowling attack. One elegant shot followed another as he showcased his full range of strokes.
Tilak remained unbeaten on 101 off just 45 balls, registering his maiden IPL century. His knock included eight fours and seven sixes. Furthermore, it became the joint-fastest century for Mumbai Indians in IPL history.
Thanks to his brilliance, Mumbai posted a strong total of 199 runs. The bowlers then completed the job by dismissing Gujarat Titans for just 100 runs. Consequently, Mumbai secured a massive 99-run victory.
4. Shubman Gill in GT vs RR Qualifier 2 (104 off 53)– 8/10
Big players often deliver in the biggest matches, and Shubman Gill proved exactly that in Qualifier 2 against Rajasthan Royals.
The stakes could not have been higher. Rajasthan Royals had posted a challenging total of 213 runs after a sensational 96-run knock from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Therefore, Gujarat Titans faced immense pressure during the chase.
Gill opened the innings alongside Sai Sudharsan. Right from the beginning, the pair looked in complete control. They combined elegance with aggression and stitched together a magnificent 167-run opening partnership.
Sudharsan contributed a quick 58 from 32 balls before getting out in an unfortunate manner. Even after losing his partner, Gill remained calm and composed. Rather than allowing pressure to affect him, he continued to lead from the front.
The Gujarat skipper produced a masterclass, scoring 104 runs from only 53 deliveries. Moreover, it was his fifth IPL century.
Although Jofra Archer eventually dismissed him, Gill had already done enough to put Gujarat on course for victory. The Titans chased down the target in just 18.4 overs and won by seven wickets to reach the final.
Considering the match situation and the pressure involved, this was a truly special innings.
Also Read: Virat Kohli In: Players Who Can Reverse T20I Retirement After IPL 2026
3. KL Rahul in DC vs PBKS (152 off 67)– 8.5/10
Even though Delhi Capitals failed to reach the playoffs, KL Rahul enjoyed an outstanding IPL 2026 season. He scored 593 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 174.41 and consistently provided strong starts.
His most memorable performance came against Punjab Kings in Match 35 of IPL 2026.
Delhi Capitals were put in to bat first and lost Pathum Nissanka early for 11 runs. Consequently, the responsibility fell on Rahul to rebuild the innings and set a competitive total.
The experienced batter responded in spectacular fashion. He combined forces with Nitish Rana, and together they produced a massive 220-run partnership for the second wicket. Rana contributed an excellent 91 runs, while Rahul played one of the greatest innings of the season.
Throughout the innings, Rahul displayed perfect timing, clean hitting, and complete control. He attacked every bowler without losing his shape or balance. As a result, the Punjab bowlers had no answers.
Rahul remained unbeaten on 152 from just 67 balls. His stunning knock featured 16 fours and nine sixes at an incredible strike rate of 226.87. Furthermore, it became the highest individual score of IPL 2026 and one of the best innings ever played by an Indian batter in the tournament.
Despite his heroics, Delhi Capitals could not defend the target, as Punjab Kings chased it down with six wickets in hand.
Even though the team ended up on the losing side, Rahul’s innings remains one of the standout performances of the season.
2. Rajat Patidar in RCB vs GT Qualifier 1 (93* off 33)– 8.5/10
Rajat Patidar led RCB brilliantly throughout IPL 2026. The captain scored 504 runs in 14 innings at a strike rate of 192.69 and consistently delivered when the team required him.
His finest innings came in Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans.
RCB made a strong start through Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer. However, the momentum shifted after two quick wickets left the team at 93/2. Soon afterward, Devdutt Padikkal departed, and RCB slipped to 94/3.
At that point, Patidar walked in under pressure. The playoff stage demanded leadership, and he answered the challenge perfectly.
Rather than slowing down, Patidar launched a fearless counterattack. He punished every loose delivery and maintained an aggressive approach from start to finish. Meanwhile, he built important partnerships, including a valuable stand with Krunal Pandya, who scored 43 runs.
The RCB skipper stayed unbeaten on 93 from just 33 balls. His explosive innings included five fours and nine sixes. Owing to his brilliance, RCB posted a huge total of 254/5.
Thereafter, the bowlers completed the job by dismissing Gujarat Titans for 162 runs in 19.3 overs. As a result, RCB secured a dominant 92-run victory and booked their place in the final.
Considering the pressure of a playoff encounter, Patidar’s innings was both fearless and decisive.
1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in SRH vs RR Eliminator (97 off 29)– 9/10
The top spot belongs to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose breathtaking innings in the Eliminator against Sunrisers Hyderabad captured the imagination of fans everywhere.
The young sensation enjoyed a dream IPL 2026 season, scoring 776 runs in 16 innings and winning the Orange Cap. Throughout the tournament, he kept bowlers under pressure with his fearless batting.
Nevertheless, his greatest knock arrived during Rajasthan Royals’ most important match of the season.
Batting first in Chandigarh after Sunrisers Hyderabad chose to bowl, RR needed a strong start. The playoff pressure was intense. Even so, Sooryavanshi showed no signs of nerves.
From the very first over, he attacked relentlessly. Every bowler faced the same treatment as boundaries flowed all around the ground. The young batter looked unstoppable and threatened to break Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL century.
Sooryavanshi smashed 97 runs from only 29 deliveries at an astonishing strike rate of 334.48. Although he fell shortly after the powerplay, his damage had already been done.
His explosive innings provided Rajasthan Royals with the perfect platform to post a massive total of 243 runs. Subsequently, the bowlers defended the target comfortably and secured a 47-run victory.
The innings combined fearlessness and impact. Most importantly, it came in a knockout match where one mistake could have ended the team's campaign.
For that reason, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's stunning 97 remains the best knock of IPL 2026.
