Virat Kohli looked in sublime touch during IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 after Gujarat Titans opted to field first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Dharamsala on Tuesday. With defending champions RCB losing Venkatesh Iyer early, the spotlight quickly shifted to Kohli, who counterattacked brilliantly with a fluent 43 off just 25 deliveries, smashing five fours and a six.
The former RCB skipper appeared set for another trademark big knock before Gujarat Titans pulled off a tactical masterstroke by reintroducing Jason Holder into the attack. The experienced West Indies all-rounder struck immediately to halt Kohli’s charge.
Facing a short-of-length delivery outside off stump, Kohli attempted an aggressive pull shot but only managed an inside edge that rattled into the off stump. The dismissal left Kohli visibly frustrated as he made his way back to the pavilion, while his wife, Anushka Sharma, also looked disappointed in the stands. Holder, meanwhile, celebrated passionately after dismissing the IPL legend for the second time this season.
Despite Kohli’s departure, Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a batting masterclass to post a daunting 254/5 against Gujarat Titans. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, hammering nine sixes and five fours in a stunning display of power-hitting.
Kohli (43) and Devdutt Padikkal (30) had earlier stabilised the innings after the early wicket, while Gujarat Titans briefly clawed their way back through Rashid Khan and Jason Holder. However, costly dropped chances allowed Patidar to unleash complete carnage in the death overs.
Patidar stitched together a blazing partnership with Krunal Pandya, who contributed a rapid 43, as RCB exploded with 114 runs in the final six overs to finish with one of the highest playoff totals in IPL history.
