Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans’ Team Photoshoot – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics During RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier

The Playful Side of a Fierce Competitor

The IPL 2026 season has been nothing short of spectacular, but few moments have captured the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the tournament quite like the interaction between Virat Kohli and the Gujarat Titans. On May 26, as the atmosphere in Dharamsala reached a fever pitch for the Qualifier 1 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Gujarat Titans (GT), the legendary Virat Kohli reminded fans that even in the highest-stakes environments, there is always room for a bit of humor.

Kohli’s Sideline Antics

Known for his intense, aggressive, and highly focused demeanor on the field, Kohli is equally famous for his fun-loving character when the pressure is off. As the Gujarat Titans were busy with a customary team photoshoot near the boundary line, Kohli, standing on the sidelines, couldn’t resist engaging with his opponents. In a moment caught by spectators, the RCB star performed the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ gesture directed toward the GT squad. While his opponents remained focused on their professional obligations, the lighthearted gesture set a jovial tone for the high-octane encounter that was about to unfold.

This was not an isolated incident. Throughout the 2026 season, Kohli has been seen pulling the leg of GT skipper Shubman Gill on several occasions. From inspecting the captain’s beard to exchanging playful banter on the field, these interactions have become a highlight for cricket fans, showcasing a mutual respect wrapped in friendly rivalry.

A Dominant Display at Dharamsala

While the pre-match antics provided some comedic relief, the actual contest on the pitch was a ruthless display of dominance by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After being put in to bat first by the Titans, the RCB lineup wasted no time establishing their authority.

Venkatesh Iyer set a brisk pace before departing, allowing Virat Kohli to anchor the innings with a solid 25-ball 43. However, the real fireworks came from captain Rajat Patidar. Playing a true captain’s knock, Patidar dismantled the GT bowling attack with a breathtaking 33-ball 93. His strike rate of 281 left the opposition stunned and propelled RCB to a score of over 250—a historic feat that set the record for the highest total ever posted in an IPL playoff game.

The Titans’ Collapse

Faced with a mountainous target, the pressure on the Gujarat Titans was immense. The RCB bowling attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, showed no mercy. The Titans’ pursuit fell apart almost immediately, with key openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan returning to the pavilion within the first four overs.

The collapse was swift and systematic, with the Titans losing five wickets inside the mandatory powerplay. By the 12-over mark, the score stood at 88 for 8, effectively ending any realistic hope of a comeback. Despite a valiant attempt at resistance from Rahul Tewatia, who scored a gritty 43-ball 68, the Gujarat Titans were eventually bundled out in 19.3 overs. The 92-run margin of victory was a statement of intent from RCB, cementing their place in the IPL 2026 final and proving that while they know how to have fun, they are, above all else, a championship-caliber unit.

Conclusion

The events in Dharamsala served as a reminder of the beautiful duality of cricket. Virat Kohli’s ability to remain relaxed enough to share a joke moments before leading his team to a record-breaking victory highlights the mental fortitude required at the elite level. As RCB marches toward the final, fans will be hoping that the team maintains this lethal combination of focus, firepower, and perhaps a few more smiles along the way.