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Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill - (Source: ScreenGrab)
The much-awaited IPL 2026 qualifier 1 between RCB and GT had a delayed start at the Dharamshala Stadium in Himachal Pradesh. Notably, there was a four minute delay and the first ball was bowled at 7:34 pm.
Usually, an IPL match starts at 7:30 pm IST. The players were on the ground and everything was in readiness, but yet it took four minutes for the first ball to be bowled. Therefore, this article will shed light on the reason behind the interruption.
Why Did The RCB vs GT Match Had A Delayed Start?
For the unversed, Venkatesh Iyer took the strike but was unhappy with something near the sight screen. He spoke to the umpire and the official had to walk towards the boundary rope back again and spoke to someone to make a few adjustments.
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Notably, Virat Kohli too explained the case to Shubman Gill, who laughed away. However, Mohammed Siraj, who was all set to bowl the first over, was annoyed with the delay.
Venkatesh Iyer Throws Wicket Away After Strong Start
The delayed start worked in RCB's favour because Venkatesh Iyer collected 14 runs off the first over with three boundaries. However, Kagiso Rabada did the job in the next over and got rid of the dangerous looking southpaw.
Notably, Venkatesh Iyer has breathtaking stats in IPL playoffs. However, it was the first time in his last five innings that the RCB opener returned to the pavillion in a playoff without scoring a fifty.
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RCB Finish IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 Powerplay On A High
Despite the early wicket, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal were unfazed and went all guns blazing. Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru registered their best powerplay of IPL 2026 and put 76/1 on the board after 6 overs.
Devdutt Padikkal batted on 25 (13), while Virat Kohli scored 40 (21) after the powerplay.
Gujarat Titans Make A Strong Comeback In The Match
Despite RCB's strong start, Shubman Gill went on with his instincts. For the 9th over of the first innings, the GT captain entrusted Jason Holder who picked up two wickets in the over.
RCB were racing for a big total on the board, but Holder got rid of Virat Kohli first. Notably, it is for the second time in the season that the Caribbean international has got Kohli out bowled.
Two balls later, Holder gets the dangerous Devdutt Padikkal out. Notably, the duo had stitched a crucial stand of 72 run and were looking to put a massive total on the board. After three overs, Holder registered the figures of 2/26.
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