Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Virat Kohli was at the centre of attention during IPL 2026 as he shared an intense exchange with Gujarat Titans all-rounder Jason Holder in their Thursday clash. The moment unfolded while RCB were batting, when Kohli moved towards Holder for a quick word during a changeover in the field. Holder then put an arm around Kohli’s back as the two spoke for a brief stretch before they returned to their respective positions, with a clip of the interaction going viral on social media.
Key takeaways
- Virat Kohli was seen having an animated conversation with Jason Holder during RCB’s innings in the IPL 2026 match on Thursday.
- The exchange occurred around the time Holder was moving to his fielding spot after a change of ends.
- Kohli also appeared to argue with match officials after a controversial catch involving Holder that led to RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s dismissal.
- Patidar’s wicket triggered further trouble for RCB, with three more dismissals falling within the next four overs.
- RCB were bowled out for 155 in 19.2 overs, before Gujarat chased the target with 25 balls remaining.
Kohli’s animated moment with Holder
During RCB’s innings, Kohli approached Holder for what looked like a short but lively exchange. Holder responded by placing his arm around Kohli’s back as they shared a quick conversation. After that brief interaction, both players went back to their roles, but the clip of the incident spread rapidly online.
Controversy after Holder’s catch and RCB’s collapse
Kohli’s animated presence didn’t stop there. He was also seen complaining to the officials regarding Holder’s catch that dismissed RCB captain Rajat Patidar. Earlier in the game, Kohli had provided a brisk start, scoring 28 runs from just 13 deliveries. Later, he was spotted near the boundary rope in a prolonged discussion with the fourth umpire, with his body language suggesting he was seeking clarity on the decision, especially because replays did not appear to show conclusive evidence.
Patidar’s dismissal proved a major blow for RCB, particularly given his recent form and the importance of his role in the middle order. After the captain’s wicket, RCB slipped further, losing three additional wickets in a span of just four overs.
Padikkal’s fight, then GT’s chase
Amid the collapse, Padikkal continued to resist and kept the scoreboard moving by rotating the strike effectively and finding boundaries regularly. However, his stand ended when Rashid Khan produced a sharp delivery to dismiss him. Padikkal made 40 off 24 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.
Even with Padikkal’s resistance, RCB were eventually dismissed for 155 runs in 19.2 overs. Arshad Khan was the standout bowler for Gujarat, taking three wickets.
In response, GT chased the target successfully with 25 balls to spare. Shubman Gill led the chase with a quick 43 off 18 balls, while Jos Buttler and Rahul Tewatia played key cameo roles to help Gujarat reach the finish line.
