Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans with wild gestures during Qua – Virat Kohli Teases Shubman Gill: RCB’s Qualifier 1 Dominance Over GT
A Night of Total Dominance in Dharamshala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed a spectacle on Tuesday as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans in a one-sided Qualifier 1 clash of the 2026 IPL season. RCB secured their spot in the final with a resounding 92-run victory, reaffirming their status as the team to beat this year.
RCB’s batting unit put on an absolute masterclass, setting a daunting target of 254/5. This total stands as the highest ever recorded in the history of IPL playoffs, a testament to the aggressive approach the team has adopted throughout this campaign. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front, dismantling the GT bowling attack with an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, while Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya contributed valuable 43-run cameos.
Kohli’s Playful Antics Capture the Internet
While the scoreboard told a story of professional dominance, the viral moments involving Virat Kohli provided the entertainment that cricket fans live for. As the Gujarat Titans were gathering for their post-match team photo, Kohli—who was nearby with his RCB teammates—was caught on camera engaging in some classic banter with GT captain Shubman Gill. Kohli was seen making his famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ hand gesture, a lighthearted jab that quickly spread across social media platforms, delighting fans of both franchises.
The camaraderie didn’t stop there. In another amusing sequence, Kohli was spotted marking out a bowling run-up, ball in hand, before passing it to Jacob Duffy. He proceeded to stroll toward the umpire with a wide grin, leading many fans to speculate—and hope—that the legendary batter might turn his arm over during the high-stakes match. While he ultimately did not bowl, the moment added a humanizing, joyous touch to the high-pressure environment of the IPL playoffs.
A Statistical Masterclass
Beyond the theatrics, Virat Kohli solidified his position as one of the greatest IPL players of all time. During his knock of 43, Kohli etched his name in the record books by becoming the first batter in IPL history to score 600-plus runs in four consecutive seasons. His consistency remains an unparalleled benchmark in T20 cricket.
Furthermore, Kohli achieved the milestone of becoming the first player to accumulate over 500 runs against the Gujarat Titans. This feat is particularly impressive considering he has now surpassed the 500-run mark against eight different IPL franchises, including the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. This record underscores his absolute dominance against every major outfit in the league.
The Road Ahead for Gujarat Titans
For the Gujarat Titans, the night was a stark reminder of the volatility of T20 cricket. The pressure of chasing 254 proved too much, as they lost five wickets within the powerplay. A chaotic start, including Sai Sudharsan’s unfortunate hit-wicket dismissal and a rare cheap outing for Shubman Gill, left the Titans in a hole from which they could not recover. Despite a valiant, fighting 68 from Rahul Tewatia, the team was eventually bowled out for 162.
However, the 2022 champions still have a lifeline. By virtue of their finish in the table, they head to Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator match between the Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB, meanwhile, can rest easy as they prepare for their second consecutive appearance in the IPL final, buoyed by the momentum of their star-studded lineup and the infectious energy of leaders like Kohli.
