Virat Kohli Goes To Bowl, Immediately Retracts As Rajat Patidar Pays No Heed – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Bowling Tease Steals Show as RCB Cruises Into IPL 2026 Final

RCB Smashes 254 to Obliterate GT in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a mammoth 254/5 against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, the game was effectively over before it began. Rajat Patidar’s blistering 93* off just 39 balls set the foundation, but it was Virat Kohli’s brief yet brilliant 43 off 25 that sealed GT’s fate — and quietly made history.

Kohli Reaches Elite Milestone

During his explosive knock, which came at a strike rate of 172.00, Kohli became the first player in IPL history to surpass 600 runs in four consecutive seasons. This consistency at the top cemented his legacy not just as a fan favorite but as a relentless run-machine across eras.

Patidar, captaining RCB in this high-stakes clash, took charge with fearless aggression. Filled with sixes and boundaries, his knock dismantled Gujarat’s bowling attack early, leaving them scrambling from the outset. The partnership between him and Kohli laid the groundwork for what would become one of RCB’s most commanding playoff performances.

GT’s Collapse After Powerplay Dooms Chase

Chasing 255, Gujarat Titans never recovered from a disastrous powerplay. They lost five wickets in the first six overs, including a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal of Sai Sudharsan and an ineffective 8-ball 7 from skipper Shubman Gill.

Rahul Tewatia tried to steady the ship with a composed 47 off 31, but it was a futile resistance. GT were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs — a massive 92 runs short. RCB’s bowlers, led by Jacob Duffy and Mayank Dagar, applied relentless pressure, ensuring Gujarat never gained momentum.

Kohli’s Mock Bowling Moment Sparks Stadium Frenzy

But amid the dominance, it was a brief, lighthearted act that stole the spotlight.

As Jacob Duffy prepared to bowl the opening over, Virat Kohli surprised everyone by picking up the ball and walking back as if ready to bowl. He marked his run-up, gestured to the fielders, and even began his approach — only to abruptly stop, grin, and hand the ball back to Duffy.

The crowd erupted. Umpires laughed. Captain Patidar smirked. For a fleeting second, fans dared to dream: Was Kohli finally bowling again?

Why Fans Still Want Kohli to Bowl

Despite not bowling a single official IPL over since 2016, Kohli’s part-time off-spin has long been a subject of fan chants. “Kohli ko bowling do!” echoed through Dharamsala once again — a familiar refrain at nearly every RCB match.

In 11 seasons, Kohli has bowled just 251 deliveries in the IPL, claiming four wickets. While never a regular bowler, his occasional overs have often come during crunch moments or as tactical curveballs.

This playful moment, though harmless, reminded fans of his all-round appeal — and how much joy he brings beyond the boundary ropes.

RCB March to Back-to-Back Finals

With this win, RCB have reached their second consecutive IPL final — a testament to their evolved balance, aggressive batting, and improved depth. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, will face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for a final shot at the summit clash.

As the countdown to the final begins, one thing is certain: RCB are peaking at the right time. And whether he’s scoring runs or teasing with a fake bowling run-up, Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of this franchise.

The fans may never see him bowl a competitive over again — but moments like this prove he doesn’t need to. The legend grows, one smirk at a time.