Star batter Virat Kohli grabbed attention both with his batting performance and his funny on field behaviour during IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans and a video from before the match is now going viral on social media where Kohli was seen teasing Gujarat Titans players in a playful way while they were getting ready for their official team photograph.
The incident happened just before the start of the high pressure knockout clash where Gujarat Titans players had gathered on field for their team photo before the toss and at the same time Kohli was already padded up and preparing to open innings for Bengaluru. As GT players sat down for the photograph Kohli started making funny gestures towards them from a distance and the light hearted moment made several players laugh.
Fans on social media quickly reacted to the video with many calling Kohli’s actions “classic Virat energy” and the clip spread rapidly online as cricket lovers enjoyed the fun side of Kohli ahead of such an important game and even though the match carried huge pressure because it was a direct ticket to IPL 2026 final Kohli appeared relaxed and in a cheerful mood.
However once the match began Royal Challengers Bengaluru completely dominated Gujarat Titans with both bat and ball, led by captain Rajat Patidar RCB posted a massive total of 254 runs for loss of five wickets in 20 overs after batting first. Patidar played a stunning unbeaten knock of 93 runs and smashed nine sixes along with five boundaries and his attacking innings changed the game completely in Bengaluru’s favour. RCB also benefited from Gujarat Titans’ bowling changes especially the decision to include Kulwant Khejroliya in place of Arshad Khan and Patidar attacked Khejroliya heavily and took 28 runs from one over.
Kohli also made an important contribution with 43 runs and all-rounder Krunal Pandya added another 43 runs helping RCB cross the 250-run mark. Fast bowler Jason Holder picked up two wickets for Gujarat Titans but could not stop the flow of runs. While chasing the huge target Gujarat Titans had a terrible start as the team lost key batters including Sai Sudharsan, captain Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler inside the powerplay itself and GT never recovered from the early collapse and were eventually bowled out for 162 runs in 19.3 overs.
Middle-order batter Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a 68-run knock off 43 balls but his effort was not enough to save the team from defeat.
After the match Gujarat Titans skipper Gill admitted that his side made several mistakes in the field and said the team dropped catches and their ground fielding was below standard while Gill added that GT would like to forget this performance quickly and start fresh in Mohali.
With this massive win Royal Challengers Bengaluru have now booked their place in the IPL 2026 final while Gujarat Titans will have to fight again to keep their title hopes alive.
