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Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar (Source: AFP and AP)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have made their place in the IPL 2026 final with a massive 92-run victory against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
While the defending champions delivered a complete team performance in the RCB vs GT game, it was Virat Kohli's hilarious bowling gesture during GT's innings that became the talk of the town.
RCB dominates GT to reach IPL 2026 final
The RCB vs GT match was a one-sided affair, as the Rajat Patidar-led team completely outplayed Gujarat Titans across all departments.
Asked to bat first, RCB posted a massive 254/5 in 20 overs. Rajat Patidar played a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls.
His aggressive innings was filled with boundaries and fearless strokeplay that left the Gujarat bowlers under pressure throughout the innings.
Kohli also played an important knock and made 43 runs off 25 balls at a strike-rate of 172.00. He also achieved a major personal milestone during the match.
The former RCB captain became the first player in IPL history to score more than 600 runs in four consecutive seasons.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Left Behind; Rajat Patidar Joins Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni's League In IPL
Chasing a huge target, GT had a worst possible start. The team lost five wickets inside the powerplay, which completely pushed them out of the contest.
Sai Sudharsan was dismissed hit-wicket, while captain Gill also failed to make an impact. Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a composed knock, but the target was simply too big. Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
With the victory, RCB entered their second consecutive IPL final, while Gujarat Titans will now face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2.
Virat Kohli mimics bowling run-up
In the RCB vs GT match, Virat Kohli produced a light-hearted moment that quickly grabbed attention online.
As Jacob Duffy prepared to bowl the first over, Kohli was seen taking the ball and walking back as if he was about to bowl himself.
The RCB star even marked his run-up, adjusted the field, and pretended to begin his bowling action before suddenly stopping and handing the ball back to Duffy.
Virat Kohli then shared a laugh with the on-field umpire and Rajat Patidar. The crowd inside the stadium erupted with excitement, hoping to see Kohli bowl after many years.
It is important to note that, whether in the IPL or international matches, fans have always wanted Virat Kohli to bowl.
The crowd often cheers "Kohli ko bowling do," and similar chants were heard during the RCB vs GT match.
Watch the video here:
Virat Kohli's bowling stats in IPL
Virat Kohli has occasionally bowled in the IPL over the years. Kohli has bowled a total of 251 deliveries in the tournament and has taken four wickets.
Interestingly, he has not bowled an official delivery in the IPL since 2016. Despite that, fans continue to request him to bowl whenever RCB plays a match.
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