Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans’ Team Photoshoot – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics Before RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier

A Lighthearted Start to a High-Stakes Clash

In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League, tension is usually the only currency that matters. However, during the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at the picturesque Dharamsala stadium on May 26, Virat Kohli proved that even the most intense professionals need a moment to unwind. Before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a match that would decide the first finalist of the season, Kohli was seen in a playful mood that caught the attention of fans and spectators alike.

Kohli’s Playful Interaction with the Titans

Virat Kohli, known as much for his aggressive, match-winning mindset as his fun-loving nature, decided to bring some levity to the atmosphere. As the Gujarat Titans squad gathered for their customary pre-match photoshoot near the boundary ropes, Kohli, standing on the sidelines, couldn’t resist a bit of mischief. He was captured on camera performing a humorous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ gesture directed toward the GT team. It was a classic display of the camaraderie that exists behind the scenes in modern cricket, even when teams are locked in a battle for a ticket to the final.

This was not an isolated incident. Throughout the 2026 season, Kohli and GT skipper Shubman Gill have shared numerous lighthearted interactions. From inspecting the young captain’s beard to exchanging playful remarks on the field, the duo has provided fans with plenty of reasons to smile. Despite the banter, the competitive edge remained sharp, setting the stage for what would turn out to be a one-sided affair once the game commenced.

RCB’s Dominance at Dharamsala

Once the humor of the pre-match antics faded, RCB turned on their clinical best. After losing the toss and being sent to bat first, the Bengaluru side put on a batting masterclass. While Venkatesh Iyer provided a quick start, it was Virat Kohli himself who set the tone with a brisk 25-ball 43. However, the true fireworks arrived courtesy of captain Rajat Patidar.

Patidar delivered a stunning captain’s knock, smashing 93 runs off just 33 balls. His blistering strike rate of 281 left the Gujarat Titans bowlers shell-shocked and pushed RCB past the 250-run mark. This total set a new benchmark, marking the highest score ever recorded in an IPL playoff match, putting the pressure firmly on the Titans from the very first ball of the second innings.

The Bowling Collapse

If the batting was aggressive, the RCB bowling attack was merciless. The formidable trio of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar ensured there was no way back for the Titans. The pressure was evident immediately as Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan departed within the first four overs.

The collapse was swift and severe, with the Gujarat Titans losing five wickets inside the powerplay. By the 12th over, the score sat at a dismal 88 for 8, effectively ending any hopes of a competitive chase. While Rahul Tewatia offered a glimmer of hope with a resilient 43-ball 68, it was merely a formality. RCB eventually bundled out the Titans in 19.3 overs, securing a massive 92-run win. The victory served as the perfect conclusion to a day that began with laughter and ended in total domination, catapulting the Royal Challengers Bengaluru directly into the IPL 2026 Final.