Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans with wild gestures during Qua – Virat Kohli’s Viral Antics: Teasing Shubman Gill in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

A Masterclass at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a performance for the ages in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, soundly defeating the Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs. Held at the stunning Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala, the match saw RCB post an astronomical 254/5, setting the highest total in the history of IPL playoff cricket. The sheer scale of this total effectively knocked the wind out of the Titans’ sails before their chase had even properly begun.

The Batting Fireworks

The RCB batting lineup was in an unforgiving mood. Captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with a scintillating, unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, effectively dismantling the GT bowling attack. Support came from all corners, with Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya both contributing vital 43-run cameos. For Kohli, this match was a landmark occasion; he etched his name into the record books by becoming the first batter in history to score 600-plus runs in four consecutive IPL seasons. His consistency at the top of the order remains one of the most remarkable storylines of the modern era.

The Collapse of Gujarat Titans

Chasing a massive 255 for victory, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the immense pressure. The powerplay was a disaster for the 2022 champions, as they lost five wickets before the first six overs were even concluded. Notable dismissals included a frustrating hit-wicket for Sai Sudharsan and a rare cheap outing for star opener Shubman Gill. While Rahul Tewatia offered a glimmer of hope with a gritty 68, the lack of support at the other end ensured that the Titans were bowled out for a mere 162. Jacob Duffy emerged as the star with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets to seal the win.

Kohli’s Playful Antics Go Viral

While the cricket was intense, the highlight for many fans was the light-hearted demeanor of Virat Kohli. Following the match, a video went viral showing Kohli teasing Shubman Gill during the Gujarat Titans’ team photo session. Kohli was seen making the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ hand gesture toward the young batter, a moment that sent social media into a frenzy. It was a clear demonstration of the camaraderie—and the competitive spirit—that exists between these high-profile stars.

The theatrics didn’t stop there. Earlier in the match, fans were treated to another entertaining spectacle when Kohli was seen marking his bowling run-up. He held the ball, went through the motions of his delivery stride, and passed the ball to Jacob Duffy, all while sharing a laugh with the umpire. While supporters were briefly electrified by the prospect of seeing ‘King Kohli’ roll his arm over in such a crucial fixture, it turned out to be nothing more than a playful gesture. Nevertheless, it served as a reminder of the relaxed confidence flowing through the RCB camp.

Historical Milestones for the RCB Legend

Beyond the jokes and the hand gestures, Virat Kohli’s statistics in this game reinforced his status as an IPL titan. During the Qualifier 1 victory, he became the first batter in the tournament’s history to score 500-plus runs against the Gujarat Titans. This is yet another massive achievement for the prolific run-scorer, who has now surpassed 500 runs against eight different IPL franchises, including perennial rivals like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders.

What Lies Ahead

With this emphatic victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have booked their second consecutive appearance in the IPL final. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans are far from out of the woods. They retain a second chance at glory and will head to Qualifier 2, where they are set to face the winner of the Eliminator match between the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. As the IPL 2026 season approaches its climax, the momentum is firmly with Bengaluru, who are looking to crown a brilliant season with their first trophy, all while keeping the fans entertained with a mix of fierce competition and genuine, off-field charisma.