NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma’s friendship is something fans have long associated with Delhi cricket circles. The two have shared the dressing-room journey from their early days together to representing India on the biggest stages. So when they cross paths, it often turns into a quick trip down memory lane.
That bond was on display during the IPL 2026 encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans. As the match unfolded, the duo were spotted reconnecting near the boundary—exchanging pleasantries, sharing a warm hug, and slipping into a relaxed, joke-filled conversation.
Quick facts from the GT vs RCB moment
- Virat Kohli and Ishant Sharma were seen catching up during the IPL 2026 match between RCB and Gujarat Titans.
- A viral clip showed Ishant standing near the boundary ropes, wearing a bib over his Gujarat Titans jersey.
- Kohli continued to represent RCB in IPL 2026, while Ishant is part of the Gujarat Titans setup.
- The game also featured a heated incident involving Kohli and the fourth umpire after Rajat Patidar’s dismissal.
In the viral footage, Ishant—clearly marked with a bib over his Gujarat Titans strip—was positioned alongside Kohli close to the boundary line. Their body language looked comfortable and familiar, with laughter and light banter standing out amid the match atmosphere.
Still, the same contest delivered a tense, controversial turning point that pulled Kohli directly into the spotlight. He was seen questioning the fourth umpire after a contentious catch by Jason Holder resulted in the dismissal of RCB captain Rajat Patidar.
The controversy arrived at a vital moment in RCB’s first innings, when the side was aiming to establish a firm platform. Patidar was on 19 when the incident unfolded in the eighth over, as he tried to accelerate with a pull shot.
Holder responded sharply, launching into a forward dive to take a low catch, while Kagiso Rabada closed in as well, raising the prospect of a collision between fielders. For a section of the ground, it was unclear whether the ball had brushed the surface before being gathered.
Replays did not provide a clean answer, but the third umpire ultimately backed the on-field call after the review. With that decision confirmed, Patidar was ruled out, leaving Kohli and the RCB camp noticeably frustrated at a key juncture.
How the match ended
Gujarat Titans went on to seal a tense four-wicket triumph over the defending champions. RCB were dismissed for 155 in 19.2 overs, and then GT chased down the target in 15.5 overs to complete the win.
With the bat, Shubman Gill struck 43 off 18, Jos Buttler made 39 off 19, and Rahul Tewatia finished unbeaten on 27 off 17—leading the push that kept the chase under control.
Even with the loss, Royal Challengers Bengaluru remained second on the points table with 12 points. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, held fifth place but moved up to 10 points after the victory.
