Virat Kohli’s IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 appearance for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Gujarat Titans wasn’t just about the result—his bowling-run-up routine and a playful exchange with the on-field umpire also became an instant talking point online. A viral clip showed Kohli rehearsing his action with the ball in his hand before handing it over to Jacob Duffy. He then walked up to the umpire, who was wearing his cap, and the pair shared a light moment that left viewers wondering if Kohli might end up bowling in the match. Despite the buzz, Kohli did not bowl. On the field, RCB delivered a dominant performance to secure a 92-run victory and lock in a place in the IPL 2026 final.
Key takeaways
- Virat Kohli’s pre-delivery run-up and a laugh with the umpire sparked online speculation that he could bowl in Qualifier 1.
- RCB booked their spot in the IPL 2026 final with a 92-run win over Gujarat Titans.
- Gujarat were dismissed for 162 after RCB posted 254/5, a playoff record total in IPL history.
- Shubman Gill pointed to missed catches, poor ground fielding, and pressure-time errors as decisive factors.
- Rajat Patidar delivered the knockout blow with an unbeaten 93 off 39 balls as RCB capitalised on Gujarat’s chances.
Viral moment before the big chase
During IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday, Kohli was seen marking his approach run-up while holding the ball. In the same viral sequence, he passed the ball to Jacob Duffy and then approached the umpire—cap on—before sharing a brief laugh. The clip quickly circulated across social media, with many users suggesting Kohli might take a turn with the ball during the game. That expectation, however, never materialised as RCB maintained control throughout.
Qualifier 1: Gujarat’s pressure errors, RCB’s commanding total
The defeat ended Gujarat’s hopes of reaching the final directly, while the defending champions ensured they would play the final for the second straight season. RCB set the tone by posting 254/5, then bowled Gujarat out for 162 in reply to win by 92 runs.
After the match, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill admitted that his team’s fielding and execution under pressure were major contributors to the loss. He said they were moving along well until the 12th or 13th over, but the side failed to keep their standards in the field—highlighting dropped catches and ground fielding that did not meet the required level.
Gill also explained that Gujarat had remained in the contest during the middle overs, but they were unable to handle key moments properly when pressure increased. In his view, the match was one the team would prefer to put behind them quickly.
Patidar’s unbeaten 93 and RCB’s playoff record
RCB’s batting surge was spearheaded by captain Rajat Patidar, who punished Gujarat for every opening. Patidar struck an unbeaten 93 off just 39 deliveries, turning missed opportunities into a decisive advantage for Bengaluru.
Gujarat’s issues were not confined to catching—RCB also benefited from misfields and no-balls during the middle overs. Those lapses helped RCB reach the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match, setting a target that proved too steep for Gujarat to chase.
Gill’s response and what comes next
Reflecting on the loss, Gill described it as a game Gujarat would rather forget and move on from quickly. He added that the team would look to reset in their next outing, mentioning the possibility of starting over in Mohali as they look to regroup after a heavy defeat.
