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 Dharamshala: RCB Dominates Qualifier 1
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala bore witness to a historic performance on Tuesday, May 26, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026. With a commanding 92-run victory, RCB secured their second consecutive trip to the IPL final, leaving the Titans searching for answers after a grueling match.
RCB set the stage ablaze with a batting masterclass, posting an imposing total of 254/5—the highest score ever recorded in the history of IPL playoffs. The charge was led by captain Rajat Patidar, whose unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls left the spectators in awe. Complementing this aggression, both Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya contributed valuable 43-run cameos, ensuring the pressure remained firmly on the Gujarat bowlers throughout the innings.
The Titans’ Struggle and Kohli’s Milestone
Chasing a mammoth target, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the weight of the required run rate. The powerplay proved catastrophic for the 2022 champions, as they lost five wickets in rapid succession. Despite a spirited 68-run knock from Rahul Tewatia, the lack of partnerships saw the Titans bowled out for 162. Jacob Duffy was the standout performer for the Bengaluru side, claiming three crucial wickets to seal the match.
Amidst the cricketing heroics, Virat Kohli reached another personal zenith. By scoring 43 runs in this encounter, he became the first batter in IPL history to surpass 600 runs in four consecutive seasons. Furthermore, he cemented his dominance by becoming the first player to aggregate over 500 runs against eight different IPL franchises, including the Titans.
Viral Moments: Kohli’s Playful Side
While the statistics tell the story of dominance, it was the light-hearted moments involving Virat Kohli that captured the internet’s imagination. Following the match, a video went viral showing Kohli in a jubilant mood during the Gujarat Titans’ group photo session. Standing near the boundary, Kohli was filmed making the iconic ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ gesture in the direction of Shubman Gill, a moment that sent social media into a frenzy.
The interaction, which also featured Kohli performing a dance and a playful snake gesture, provided a rare look at the camaraderie that exists behind the intense competitive facade of the IPL. Fans were quick to share the clips, turning the interaction into one of the most talked-about highlights of the evening.
The Bowling That Never Was
Adding to the entertainment, Kohli provided another viral moment when he was spotted marking out his bowling run-up. With ball in hand, he mimicked his approach to the crease before passing the ball to Jacob Duffy and sharing a laugh with the umpire. The spectacle sparked widespread speculation among fans that the former captain might take the ball for an over, though he ultimately remained in his fielding position for the duration of the chase.
What Lies Ahead
For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the win serves as a massive confidence booster heading into the final. Conversely, the Gujarat Titans are not out of the tournament just yet. They have the safety net of Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator clash between the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 26. As the tournament reaches its climax, the intensity is expected to scale new heights, but for tonight, the focus remains on the sheer dominance displayed in Dharamshala and the viral charm of Virat Kohli.
