Watch- Devdutt Padikkal Takes Virat Kohli’s Revenge From Jason Holder – Devdutt Padikkal’s Revenge Celebration Against Jason Holder Steals Show in RCB’s IPL 2026 Dominance
RCB Smash GT by 92 Runs to Storm Into IPL 2026 Final
One of the most explosive playoff performances in IPL history unfolded at Dharamsala as Royal Challengers Bengaluru dismantled Gujarat Titans by a staggering 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026. Chasing a record-breaking 255, GT collapsed to 162 all out, handing RCB a commanding passage into the final.
Patidar’s Fireworks Set the Stage
RCB’s batting fired on all cylinders, posting 254/5 — the highest total ever in an IPL playoff match. The innings was anchored by skipper Rajat Patidar, who delivered a blistering 93 not out off just 33 balls. His assault came late in the innings, but it turned a solid foundation into an insurmountable mountain for GT.
Kohli and Padikkal Ignite the Powerplay
Before Patidar’s fireworks, Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli ensured RCB raced out of the blocks. After a quick cameo from Venkatesh Iyer, the duo added 72 runs off just 44 balls for the second wicket. Padikkal was particularly aggressive, scoring 30 off 19 with a strike rate of 157.89, keeping the scoreboard ticking throughout the powerplay.
Kohli, looking fluent and confident, played a compact 43 off 25 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six, before falling to Jason Holder in the ninth over.
Holder’s Controversial Celebration Sparks Backlash
Holder, the GT all-rounder, managed to break a dangerous partnership with a well-directed short ball. Kohli, attempting a hook shot, top-edged it onto his stumps. But what happened next drew more attention than the dismissal itself.
Holder erupted in celebration, jogging several paces toward midwicket with an exaggerated running motion directly in front of Kohli. The animated send-off didn’t sit well with the RCB dugout and fans alike, sparking immediate backlash on social media.
Padikkal’s Poetic Payback
The cricketing gods served swift justice. During GT’s chase, Rasikh Salam trapped Jason Holder leg before wicket for a three-ball duck in the sixth over. As soon as the bails came off, Devdutt Padikkal sprang into action — not with words, but with action.
Recreating Holder’s exact celebration, Padikkal sprinted several yards while mimicking the same jogging-away gesture. The moment, caught on camera, went viral within minutes, with fans hailing it as the perfect act of retaliation.
The act was subtle yet symbolic — a non-verbal message that RCB had taken notice. No words were needed. The internet, however, had plenty to say.
RCB’s Bowling Attack Shines Under Pressure
RCB’s bowlers didn’t just capitalize on the momentum — they dominated. Jacob Duffy struck early, dismissing Sai Sudharsan via a bizarre hit-wicket. Bhuvneshwar Kumar followed up by removing the in-form Shubman Gill cheaply.
But the turning point came in the fifth over, when Rasikh Salam delivered a devastating spell — cleaning up Nishant Sindhu and then Holder in quick succession. Gujarat Titans were reeling at 51/5 inside the powerplay, and the chase was effectively over.
A Statement Victory Ahead of the Final
Eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, GT never recovered from the early body blows. RCB’s comprehensive victory wasn’t just about runs and wickets — it was a statement of intent.
With both bat and ball, they outclassed a strong GT unit, showcasing depth, aggression, and emotional intelligence. The Padikkal-Holder episode added a layer of drama, but the performance spoke louder than any celebration.
As RCB prepares for the IPL 2026 Final, one thing is clear: they are peaking at the right time — and they’re sending a message to every team still in contention.
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