Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans’ Team Photoshoot – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics During RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier
A Lighthearted Start to a High-Stakes Clash
The atmosphere at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on May 26 was electric, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepared to face the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a decisive IPL 2026 Qualifier. While the stakes were incredibly high, with a direct ticket to the final on the line, Virat Kohli ensured the tension did not boil over too early, bringing his signature energy and humor to the sidelines.
Known for his intense competitive spirit, Kohli has also become famous for his playful side. Before the first ball was even bowled, the former RCB skipper was spotted engaging in some lighthearted antics aimed at his counterpart, Shubman Gill, and the rest of the Gujarat Titans squad.
Kohli’s Playful Prank on the Titans
As the Gujarat Titans were busy with a customary team photoshoot near the boundary ropes, Kohli—observing from the sidelines—decided to inject a bit of comedy into the proceedings. Spectators captured the moment as Kohli gestured the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’—a gesture widely recognized in India as a cheeky way to tease or dismiss someone—directly toward the GT camp. The RCB star was seen laughing to himself, clearly enjoying the camaraderie and the pre-match buzz.
This was merely the latest in a series of playful interactions between Kohli and Gill throughout the 2026 season. From inspecting the GT captain’s beard to exchanging humorous remarks on the field, the duo has provided fans with plenty of entertainment alongside the high-quality cricket they consistently produce.
RCB’s Dominant Performance
While the mood was light before the game, RCB’s performance once the match began was anything but. After losing the toss, RCB was sent in to bat first, and they wasted no time in asserting their authority. Venkatesh Iyer provided an early burst of energy, and while he departed early, Virat Kohli stepped in to stabilize the innings, contributing a sharp 25-ball 43.
However, the real show-stopper was captain Rajat Patidar. Playing with immense confidence, Patidar blazed his way to a spectacular 33-ball 93. His strike rate of 281 left the GT bowling attack shell-shocked, propelling RCB past the 250-run mark. This set a new record for the highest score ever posted in an IPL playoff game, effectively placing the game beyond the Titans’ reach before they even had a chance to bat.
The Titans Collapse
Faced with a mountainous target, the Gujarat Titans struggled from the very first over. The RCB bowling unit, led by Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was relentless. The Titans’ top order, including Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, were dismissed within the first four overs, triggering a catastrophic batting collapse.
By the time the powerplay concluded, GT had already lost five wickets. The pressure continued to mount, and by the 12th over, the score sat at a dismal 88 for 8. Despite a resilient 68 off 43 balls from Rahul Tewatia, which provided a brief moment of respectability, the Titans were eventually bundled out in 19.3 overs.
RCB’s victory by 92 runs was a masterclass in both batting aggression and bowling discipline. As the Bengaluru side advances to the final, fans will surely look back on the day—not just for the record-breaking cricket, but for the moments of joy provided by stars like Kohli, who remind us that even at the highest levels of professional sport, there is always room for a little fun.
