RCB’s Dominance in Qualifier 1
The Dharamsala stadium was alive with energy during the last few overs of the match when RCB managed to pull off a remarkable performance against the Gujarat Titans. The crowd erupted in chants of “Kohli ko bolwing do” as RCB came close to securing a win. This victory marked another entry into the IPL 2026 final for RCB, showcasing their strength in every aspect of the game.
A New Norm for Kohli
It is not uncommon for fans to chant for Virat Kohli whenever his team is on the verge of a win. Today, RCB wasn’t focused on improving their net run rate, as GT had already lost eight wickets with a significant number of runs left to chase. Kohli became the center of attention, and the fans openly requested Rajat Patidar to give him an over to bowl.
Interestingly, the umpires were momentarily confused before the second innings began. As players prepared for their run-ups, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan tapped their bats on the crease, while Kohli did a small warm-up, as if he were about to take the first ball for RCB.
Even though Kohli didn’t get to bowl, he made a significant impact with the bat. He scored 43 runs in just 25 balls, standing tall alongside Patidar. Additionally, he took a crucial catch on the field. Kohli also made history by becoming the first batter in IPL history to score 600 or more runs in four consecutive seasons (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026).
Key Performances in the Match
RCB delivered a commanding performance in Qualifier 1, defeating Gujarat Titans by a margin of 92 runs at Dharamsala. RCB set a formidable total of 254/5 in 20 overs, thanks to Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 off 33 balls. His innings included nine sixes and a strike rate of 281.81. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya each contributed 43 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal added 30 runs to the total.
Gujarat’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, with Rabada conceding 54 runs and Khejroliya leaking 31 runs in two overs. Chasing 255, GT faced a tough time, collapsing to 65/6 before Rahul Tewatia’s 68 off 43 balls provided some resistance. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 3/39, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam, and Krunal Pandya each claimed two wickets.
Fan Reactions and Memorable Moments
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans showing their support for Kohli in various ways. There were moments of humor as well, with Kohli teasing Shubman Gill from the sidelines during the team photo session. These interactions added to the excitement of the match and highlighted the camaraderie between players.
Overall, the match was a testament to RCB’s dominance and their ability to perform under pressure. With their strong performances in both batting and bowling, they have once again proven themselves as a formidable force in the IPL. The journey to the final has been marked by key contributions from players like Kohli and Patidar, who have consistently delivered when it matters most.
