Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli came out attacking against Gujarat Titans (GT) pacer Kagiso Rabada in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, May 31. After choosing to bowl first, RCB were set a target of 156 runs.
The battle between Kohli and Rabada was one of the most anticipated matchups of the final, with both players having plenty of experience at the highest level. Kohli went after the South African fast bowler in the fourth over of the chase.
The RCB opener began the over with back-to-back boundaries. Rabada then bowled a good-length delivery outside off stump, but Kohli flicked it beautifully over the boundary for a six. His wife, Anushka Sharma, was watching from the stands and was seen applauding the brilliant shot.
Watch the video here:
The CHASEMASTER is blazing through Ahmedabad! Unreal hitting, unmissable action! #ViratKohli, you beauty. 🦾⭐🤌 #TATAIPL 2026 FINAL | #RCBvGT | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/nTKb3Qmpst pic.twitter.com/N9T8SXFZ20
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 31, 2026
Earlier in the match, RCB’s bowlers put in an excellent performance and kept Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in their 20 overs. Rasikh Salam was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumarand Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each. For GT, Washington Sundar fought hard and remained unbeaten on 50 runs from 37 balls, but received little support from the other batters.
Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer Give RCB a Flying Start in the Chase
RCB openers Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer gave their team a strong start with a crucial partnership in the chase. The pair added 62 runs in just 27 balls, putting Gujarat Titans under early pressure. Gujarat got their first breakthrough when Mohammed Siraj dismissed Venkatesh Iyer in the fifth over.
Iyer scored a quick 32 runs off 16 balls at an impressive strike rate of 200. The left-hander tried to pull a short ball but failed to time it properly and was caught comfortably by Kagiso Rabada at mid-on. His aggressive knock had already put RCB in a commanding position before his departure.
At the time of writing, RCB were 70/2 after six overs, with Virat Kohli unbeaten on 35 off 12 balls and Rajat Patidar batting on 1 off 4 balls.
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