Every bowler dreams of taking Virat Kohli’s wicket, and in T20 cricket that prize is even more special. In the IPL 2026 match at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Kagiso Rabada struck early to remove Kohli in his second over as Royal Challengers Bengaluru ran into trouble against Gujarat Titans. Gujarat then built on that momentum and secured a four-wicket victory.
Key takeaways
- Kagiso Rabada dismissed Virat Kohli in just his second over during RCB’s innings.
- After being taken for five straight boundaries in his first over, Rabada returned and delivered the decisive breakthrough.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru were bowled out for 155 in 19.2 overs.
- Gujarat Titans chased 155 successfully, finishing on 158/6 in 15.5 overs.
- Shubman Gill’s 43 off 18 and Jos Buttler’s 39 off 19 powered the chase to Gujarat’s fifth win of the season.
Rabada’s turnaround and Kohli’s dismissal
Rabada started with a tough spell, conceding five consecutive boundaries to Kohli in his opening over. However, when the pacer was called back for his second over, he made the difference. The breakthrough came from a sharp, short delivery targeting the middle and leg area.
Kohli moved down the pitch to play the ball across the line, but the attempt produced only a top edge. Rashid Khan stationed himself at mid-wicket and took a clean, routine catch to send Kohli back.
Rabada’s reaction after the wicket was immediate and intense, as he stared down Kohli while the batter walked off toward the pavilion.
RCB bowled out; Gujarat’s disciplined attack
With momentum shifting early, RCB struggled to form partnerships against a Gujarat Titans bowling unit that stayed disciplined throughout. The side eventually folded for 155 in 19.2 overs.
Even though RCB were positioned second on the points table, wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Mohammed Siraj and Rabada played a major role in that collapse, combining to reduce RCB to 35/2 by the fourth over. Siraj finished with figures of 1/38, while Rabada returned 1/44.
Left-arm pacer Arshad Khan then added further blows, taking 3/22 and striking at crucial moments. Among the key dismissals were captain Rajat Patidar for 19, Krunal Pandya for 4, and Venkatesh Iyer for 12.
Jason Holder contributed with 2/29, and Rashid Khan also finished with 2/19, taking two wickets each as RCB’s innings steadily unravelled.
Gill and Buttler steer Gujarat home
In reply, Gujarat Titans found the right balance of control and aggression. Captain Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler delivered the key knocks that swung the chase in Gujarat’s favour, ultimately securing the win.
Chasing 155, Gujarat reached 158/6 in 15.5 overs to claim victory by four wickets. While Bhuvneshwar Kumar impressed for RCB with 3/28, it wasn’t enough to stop Gujarat’s momentum.
Gill struck 43 off 18 balls, taking the attack forward with urgency, and Buttler added a quick 39 off 19 deliveries. Their combined impact helped Gujarat register their fifth win of the season and move their points tally to 10.
