Virat Kohli Goes To Bowl, Immediately Retracts As Rajat Patidar Pays No Heed – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Bowling Gesture Steals Show as RCB Reaches IPL 2026 Final
RCB Dominates Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala witnessed a masterclass in T20 cricket as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a commanding 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1. This emphatic win propels RCB into their second consecutive IPL final, cementing their status as the team to beat in this year’s tournament.
Led by the tactical brilliance of Rajat Patidar, RCB showcased their superiority in all three departments of the game. After being asked to bat first, the Challengers posted a mammoth total of 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving the Gujarat bowlers searching for answers.
Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli Lead the Charge
Rajat Patidar was undoubtedly the star of the show, delivering a sensational, unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls. His innings was a blend of calculated aggression and pure power, featuring a barrage of boundaries that effectively neutralized the GT bowling attack. Patidar’s ability to clear the ropes with ease kept the scoreboard ticking at an exhilarating pace, ensuring RCB reached a score that was always going to be daunting.
Supporting him from the other end, Virat Kohli played a crucial hand, scoring a brisk 43 off 25 deliveries at an impressive strike rate of 172.00. Beyond the immediate impact on the scorecard, Kohli achieved a monumental individual milestone during his time at the crease. He has officially become the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League to amass over 600 runs in four consecutive seasons, a testament to his incredible consistency and dedication to the sport.
A Disastrous Chase for the Titans
Chasing 255 for victory, the Gujarat Titans faced an uphill battle that became insurmountable within the first six overs. The RCB bowling unit was relentless, picking up five wickets during the powerplay phase. The pressure proved too much for the GT top order, with captain Shubman Gill struggling to find his rhythm and Sai Sudharsan falling in a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal. Despite a fighting spirit displayed by Rahul Tewatia, the target remained out of reach. Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
The Viral Moment: Kohli’s Mock Bowling
Amidst the intensity of the knockout fixture, Virat Kohli provided a moment of pure entertainment. As Jacob Duffy prepared to open the bowling, Kohli momentarily took the ball, walked back to his mark, and began meticulously setting the field. He mimicked a bowling run-up, gesturing as if he were about to unleash his medium-pace deliveries, much to the delight of the crowd in Dharamsala.
After building anticipation, he burst into laughter, sharing a lighthearted moment with the on-field umpire and his teammate Rajat Patidar before handing the ball back. The stadium erupted in cheers, with fans chanting for the former RCB captain to roll his arm over—a recurring theme during RCB matches.
While fans often clamor for Kohli to bowl, his record remains a collector’s item. In his IPL career, he has delivered 251 balls and taken four wickets. However, he has not bowled an official delivery in the tournament since 2016. Despite the lack of actual bowling, the connection between Kohli and the fans ensures that every time he shows even a hint of bowling, it becomes a talking point.
Looking Ahead to the Final
With this victory, RCB moves one step closer to the ultimate prize. The Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, are not out of the competition yet. They will regroup and prepare to face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2, where a spot in the grand finale will be on the line. As for RCB, the momentum is firmly in their camp as they look to build on this clinical performance to lift the trophy.
