Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans’ Team Photoshoot – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics During RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier
A Lighthearted Start to a Tense Encounter
The intensity of the IPL playoffs is often enough to keep any player on edge, but for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) icon Virat Kohli, the pressure seems to only fuel his playful spirit. On the evening of May 26, leading up to the high-stakes Qualifier 1 match against the Gujarat Titans (GT) at the scenic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, Kohli was spotted in a jovial mood, bringing some much-needed humor to the boundary lines.
While the Gujarat Titans were busy with their customary team photoshoot near the dugout, Kohli, observing from the sidelines, couldn’t help but seize the opportunity for a bit of mischief. In a moment captured by keen-eyed spectators, the former India captain was seen gesturing a classic ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ toward the GT squad. The lighthearted antics, which drew a chuckle from Kohli himself, served as a stark contrast to the fierce competition that would follow on the pitch.
The Kohli-Gill Dynamic
This was not an isolated incident of camaraderie and banter between the two stars. Throughout the 2026 season, fans have been treated to various interactions between Kohli and GT skipper Shubman Gill. From scrutinizing the younger batter’s beard to engaging in lighthearted on-field banter, the relationship between these two top-tier cricketers has provided plenty of highlights for spectators to enjoy. Their mutual respect, underscored by a layer of friendly rivalry, has been one of the subtle, heartwarming subplots of an otherwise grueling tournament.
Despite Kohli’s playful teasing, the Gujarat Titans remained focused on their pre-match routines, perhaps well-accustomed to the RCB stalwart’s penchant for keeping the atmosphere loose and entertaining before the real business begins.
Dominance on the Pitch
Once the game commenced, the humor gave way to sheer professional dominance. After the Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to field, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru set the stage for a record-breaking performance. While opener Venkatesh Iyer departed early, Virat Kohli provided a brisk start, contributing a 25-ball 43 to lay a solid foundation before falling in the ninth over.
However, it was Rajat Patidar who truly stole the show. Displaying immense composure and power, the RCB captain delivered a leader’s knock, hammering a 33-ball 93 at a blistering strike rate of 281. His explosive batting propelled RCB past the 250-run mark, setting a new record for the highest team total ever achieved in an IPL playoff game. The sheer ferocity of the innings left the GT bowling attack in disarray and firmly put the Titans on the back foot.
The Titans’ Collapse
Chasing a mammoth target, the Gujarat Titans’ chase never truly took off. The RCB bowling unit, led by the clinical precision of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, suffocated the GT batters from the very first ball. The collapse was swift and decisive; both openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, were back in the pavilion inside four overs. The carnage continued as five wickets fell within the powerplay, effectively silencing the GT dugout.
Though Rahul Tewatia fought valiantly with a 43-ball 68, the mountain was simply too high to climb. The Gujarat Titans were bundled out in 19.3 overs, resulting in a commanding 92-run victory for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. With this resounding win, RCB secured their ticket to the IPL 2026 Final, capping off a day that began with a laugh and ended with a triumphant display of cricketing superiority.
As the curtains fall on this chapter, fans are left to wonder what other moments of joy and excellence await in the grand finale. One thing is certain: Virat Kohli and his squad have arrived at the final hurdle with both their batting form and their spirits at an all-time high.
