IPL 2026 Reaches 1.2 Billion Viewers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win Second Successive Title

Photo/BCCI

The 2026 edition of the IPL reached 1.2 billion viewers, registering a seven per cent year-on-year increase, according to official broadcaster JioStar.

The season ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at Ahmedabad to win their second successive IPL title.

"TATA IPL 2026 reach soared over 1.2 billion, reflecting a growth of seven per cent year-on-year. The season kept viewers glued to screens as watch-time touched 870 billion minutes. The final, which culminated in RCB lifting the trophy for a second consecutive year, delivered a viewership double, becoming the most-watched TATA IPL match ever, reaching over 400 million across screens," JioStar said in a release.

"The 2026 season witnessed strong growth across digital screens. Connected TV grew 22 per cent. Digital video views reached 25 billion, marking an eight per cent year-on-year increase. Regional language watch-time share went up by 33 per cent on digital," it added.

The broadcaster said total watch-time for the season reached 870 billion minutes, while the final became the most-watched IPL match ever with a reach of more than 400 million viewers across platforms.

Digital consumption also saw growth. Connected TV viewership increased by 22 per cent, while digital video views touched 25 billion, an eight per cent rise compared to the previous season. Regional language watch-time on digital platforms grew by 33 per cent.

In the final, Gujarat Titans were asked to bat first by RCB and scored 155/8 in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar remained unbeaten on 50 from 37 balls with five fours, while Nishant Sindhu made 20 off 18 balls with three fours. No other Gujarat batter crossed the 20-run mark.

Rasikh Dar Salam returned figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 2/29 and Josh Hazlewood claimed 2/37.

RCB got off to a good start through a 62-run partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Virat Kohli. Venkatesh scored 32 off 16 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Gujarat fought back and reduced RCB to 132/5, but Kohli stayed unbeaten on 75 from 42 balls, hitting nine fours and three sixes, to guide his team home with two overs to spare.

The title was RCB's second IPL trophy and their fourth franchise title overall, including two Women's Premier League crowns.