Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans with wild gestures during Qua – Virat Kohli’s Viral Antics: Teasing Shubman Gill in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

A Masterclass in Dominance and Joy

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala bore witness to a historic performance on Tuesday, May 26, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cemented their place in the IPL 2026 final. Facing off against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1, RCB delivered a batting masterclass that left spectators and opponents alike in awe. Posting a monumental 254/5—the highest total ever recorded in the history of IPL playoffs—RCB sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they are the team to beat.

Rajat Patidar and the Batting Onslaught

The core of RCB’s success was a breathtaking knock from captain Rajat Patidar, who remained unbeaten on 93 off just 33 deliveries. His explosive batting ensured that the Gujarat Titans were always on the back foot. Complementing this brilliance, Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya contributed valuable 43-run knocks, effectively taking the game away from the 2022 champions. For Kohli, the match was particularly significant, as he etched his name into the history books by becoming the first batter to surpass 600 runs in four consecutive IPL seasons.

Gujarat Titans’ Struggle Under Pressure

Chasing an imposing target of 255, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the weight of the required run rate. The powerplay was a disaster for the Titans, who lost five crucial wickets within the first six overs. The dismissal of Sai Sudharsan via hit-wicket and a rare, cheap outing for Shubman Gill compounded the team’s woes. While Rahul Tewatia offered a valiant effort with a quick-fire 68, the lack of support from the tailenders led to an inevitable collapse, with GT being bowled out for 162. Jacob Duffy emerged as the star with the ball, claiming three pivotal wickets to seal a dominant 92-run victory for Bengaluru.

Kohli’s Viral Moments: Beyond the Bat

While the scoreline was one-sided, the social media discourse was dominated by the lighter side of Virat Kohli. A video circulating on various platforms captured a light-hearted moment during the Gujarat Titans’ group photo session. Standing near the boundary, Kohli was filmed making the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ hand gesture toward Shubman Gill, much to the amusement of fans watching online. The interaction, characterized by laughter and playful antics, showcased the camaraderie that exists even amidst the fierce intensity of playoff cricket.

Adding to the entertainment, Kohli was seen marking out an elaborate bowling run-up, ball in hand, before passing it to Jacob Duffy. He proceeded to walk toward the umpire, collect his cap, and share a chuckle. For a moment, fans held their breath, hoping to see the legendary batter roll his arm over, but the spectacle remained a playful highlight rather than a tactical move.

A Historic Milestone

Beyond the theatrics, it was a night of pure numbers for the RCB legend. With his performance against GT, Kohli became the first batter in IPL history to score 500-plus runs against the Gujarat Titans. Remarkably, he has achieved the feat of scoring 500-plus runs against eight different franchises, a testament to his unparalleled consistency over the years. This includes Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and now, the Gujarat Titans.

Looking Ahead

With this win, RCB secures their spot in the final, continuing their stellar form into the business end of the tournament. The Gujarat Titans, despite the setback, still have a path to the summit clash. They are set to face the winner of the Eliminator—either the Rajasthan Royals or the Sunrisers Hyderabad—in Qualifier 2. As the tournament reaches its conclusion, one thing remains certain: the spirit and dominance displayed by RCB in Dharamshala have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the IPL 2026 season.