On March 6, MasterChef India Season 9’s finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television. As Indian foodies waited with bated breath to watch their favourite contest duo bag the trophy, we’re here to spill the tea! Spoiler alert: Nagpur brothers Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe have been crowned the winners. So, what was the winning dish? Who were the first runner-ups? Read on!
Ajinkya & Vikram Gandhe Win MasterChef India S9
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In a first-of-its-kind season where contestants participated in pairs, MasterChef India S9— judged by chefs and restaurateurs Vikas Khanna, Kunal Kapur and Ranveer Brar— was loved for its endeavour to celebrate regional Indian cooking. The finale aired on March 6 featured contestant duos: Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe from Nagpur, sisters Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha from Puri, and mother-daughter duo Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda from Telangana.
The Nagpur brother duo was a formidable competitor from the get-go. The cafe owners were known for their remarkable teamwork and their ability to balance regional Indian food with modern plating techniques. In fact, they got multiple spoon taps and accolades from the judges throughout this season.
Who Is The First Runner-Up Of MasterChef India 2026?
After multiple high-pressure elimination rounds, the finale was a nail-biting one between the three pairs of cooks. Sony Live India took to its official Instagram handle to share a clip from the finale. TV host Sanjeev Kapoor announced the winner. The Nagpur brothers jumped in glee at the announcement as fireworks lit behind them.
Standing beside them with a smile was the first runner-up: mother-daughter duo, Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda from Telangana. Vikram and Ajinkya hugged each other as their families rushed to embrace them and celebrate the big win for the family. Cooking with your loved one can not just be a memorable experience; it can even bag you a trophy!
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The second runner-up of MasterChef India S9 is the contestant pair, sisters Anju Pradhan and Manju Ojha. This season truly celebrated the intricacies of Indian cooking and brought forth many lost recipes and even cuisines that truly deserved a spotlight.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/SONY LIV and Ajinkya Gandhe
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Who is the winner of MasterChef India Season 9?
The winners of MasterChef India Season 9 is the duo Ajinkya and Vikram Gandhe, brothers from Nagpur.
Who are the judges of MasterChef India Season 9?
The judges of MasterChef India Season 9, aired in 2026, are chefs and restaurateurs Vikas Khanna, Kunal Kapur and Ranveer Brar.
Who is the first runner up of MasterChef India Season 9?
The first runner-up: mother-daughter duo, Chandana and Sai Sri Rachakonda from Telangana.