IPL 2026 Awards and Prize Money: Vaibhav Suryavanshi Shines as RCB Clinch Back-to-Back Titles
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history by capturing their second consecutive Indian Premier League title.
In a thrilling final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB defeated the Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets to defend their crown and lift the IPL 2026 trophy successfully.
As champions, RCB were awarded a cash prize of ₹20 crore along with the coveted trophy. Gujarat Titans, who finished runners-up, received prize money of ₹12.5 crore for their impressive campaign.
The season, however, belonged to teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi. The 15-year-old Rajasthan batter emerged as the standout performer of IPL 2026, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 776 runs.
His remarkable performances earned him five major honours, including the Orange Cap, Most Valuable Player (MVP), Emerging Player of the Season, and Super Striker of the Season.
Along with the accolades, he took home prize money worth ₹40 lakh and a brand-new car.
On the bowling front, Gujarat Titans pacer Kagiso Rabada claimed the Purple Cap after picking up 29 wickets during the season.
RCB’s Championship Reward Compared to Kohli’s Salary
While RCB earned ₹20 crore for winning the title, the amount was still lower than Virat Kohli’s individual salary for the 2026 season. The star batter reportedly earned ₹21 crore, highlighting the massive value of elite players in the league.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Becomes Youngest-Ever Orange Cap Winner
Suryavanshi scripted history by becoming the youngest cricketer ever to win the Orange Cap in IPL history.
At just 15 years of age, he dominated bowling attacks throughout the tournament and established himself as one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects.
Meanwhile, Rabada’s outstanding consistency helped him secure the Purple Cap award.
MVP Honour Places Suryavanshi Among IPL Greats
The young Rajasthan star’s extraordinary season was further recognised when he was named the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2026.
The award placed him in an exclusive group of elite performers who have left a lasting impact on the tournament.
‘I Learned How to Handle Pressure Situations’
Reflecting on his breakthrough campaign after receiving the Orange Cap, Suryavanshi said the season taught him valuable lessons about dealing with high-pressure moments and adapting to different match situations.
“This season helped me understand how to perform in pressure games and adjust my approach according to the demands of the match,” he said.
He further explained that success in T20 cricket depends on reading situations correctly.
“You cannot approach every game in the same way. Understanding the match situation and batting accordingly is extremely important. I learned this especially during the playoff matches,” he added.
‘My Dream Is to Play for India for a Long Time’
Speaking about his future goals, Suryavanshi emphasised the importance of fitness and injury management.
“I aim to represent India and my team for many years. To achieve that, I need to work hard on my fitness and ensure I stay injury-free,” he said.
The youngster also credited his success to backing his instincts at the crease.
“I trust my game. If I feel I can clear the boundary off a particular delivery, I go for the shot with complete confidence,” he remarked.
Ending the interaction on a light-hearted note, Suryavanshi jokingly told reporters, “Sir, I’m not drinking milk these days.”
