The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) achieved a staggering reach of 1.2 billion viewers, marking a seven per cent year-on-year increase, as announced by official broadcaster JioStar. The season concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final held in Ahmedabad, securing their second consecutive IPL title.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
According to a JioStar release, the 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 total 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.
Digital and Regional Growth
The 2026 season witnessed strong growth across digital screens. Connected TV grew by 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 platforms, highlighting the league's expanding appeal across diverse audiences.
Final Match Highlights
In the final, Gujarat Titans were asked to bat first by RCB and managed 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.
