400 million views: RCB-GT final becomes most watched IPL match of all time

ByTech Word News

The 2026 edition of the IPL reached 1.2 billion viewers, registering a seven percent year-on-year growth, according to official broadcaster JioStar.The season ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final in Ahmedabad to win their second consecutive IPL title.“The reach of TATA IPL 2026 soared to over 1.2 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of seven percent. The season kept viewers glued to their screens as the viewing time reached 870 billion minutes. The final, which culminated in RCB lifting the trophy for the second year in a row, generated 40-fold viewership to become the most watched million screens ever,” JioStar said in a report.“The 2026 season saw strong growth across digital screens. Internet-connected TV grew by 22 percent. Digital video views reached 25 billion, an eight percent year-on-year increase. Regional language watch time share grew by 33 percent for digital,” he added.The broadcaster said the total viewing time for the season reached 870 billion minutes, while the final became the most-watched IPL match ever, reaching more than 400 million viewers across platforms.Digital consumption also recorded growth. Connected TV viewership grew 22 percent, while digital video views reached 25 billion, up eight percent from the previous season. Watch time in regional languages ​​on digital platforms increased by 33 percent.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 off 37 balls with five fours while Nishant Sindhu made 20 off 18 balls with three fours. No other Gujarat batter has crossed the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam returned figures of 3/27 while Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 2/29 and Josh Hazlewood took 2/37.RCB got off to a good start with 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 to reduce RCB to 132/5, but Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off 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.