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

Kohli Brings Personality to the Playoff Pressure

The IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 26 was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated matches of the season. With a place in the final on the line, the tension in Dharamsala was palpable. However, for Virat Kohli, the high-pressure environment did not stop him from displaying his characteristic fun-loving and mischievous nature on the sidelines.

Known for his aggressive competitiveness on the pitch, Kohli also possesses a playful side that fans have grown to adore. As the Gujarat Titans were busy with their customary pre-match photoshoot near the boundary line, the RCB talisman decided to inject a bit of humor into the proceedings, turning the professional atmosphere into a lighthearted moment.

The ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ Incident

As the GT squad gathered for their official team pictures, a sharp-eyed spectator caught Kohli in the background performing the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ gesture directed toward the Titans squad. The RCB star was seen laughing as he pulled off the prank, seemingly unfazed by the proximity of his opponents. Despite the overt gesture, the Gujarat Titans players remained focused on their task, choosing not to engage with the playful distraction from the opposition.

This incident is just one of many moments shared between Kohli and GT skipper Shubman Gill this season. Their on-field rapport, which has featured everything from lighthearted beard-checking to playful banter, has provided a refreshing dynamic in an otherwise cutthroat tournament. It serves as a reminder that even at the pinnacle of professional cricket, there is room for camaraderie and fun.

A Dominant Performance by RCB

While the pre-match antics provided a moment of levity, the actual contest on May 26 was a completely different story. RCB proved they were in no mood for mercy once the first ball was delivered. After Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl, RCB’s batting order turned the Dharamsala stadium into their personal playground.

Although Venkatesh Iyer departed early, Virat Kohli set a solid foundation with a quick-fire 43 off 25 balls. However, it was Rajat Patidar who truly stole the show. Captaining the side with immense confidence, Patidar unleashed a brutal assault on the GT bowling attack, smashing a 33-ball 93 at a staggering strike rate of 281. His masterclass helped RCB surpass the 250-run mark, setting a new record for the highest score ever recorded in an IPL playoff match.

The Titans Collapse

Faced with a mountainous target, the Gujarat Titans crumbled under the pressure. The RCB pace battery, led by the clinical trio of Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dismantled the GT top order. The Titans lost both openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, within the first four overs, triggering a catastrophic collapse that saw them lose five wickets inside the powerplay.

By the time 12 overs had been bowled, the scoreboard read a dismal 88 for 8, effectively ending any realistic hope for the Titans. While Rahul Tewatia provided a glimmer of resistance with a valiant 43-ball 68, the sheer scale of the target proved too much to overcome. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru eventually bundled out the Gujarat Titans in 19.3 overs, securing a massive 92-run victory and punching their ticket to the IPL 2026 Final.

Ultimately, the day belonged to RCB, who combined clinical cricketing dominance with a relaxed team atmosphere. Virat Kohli’s pre-match antics might have been a humorous footnote, but the clinical execution that followed cemented his team’s status as the favorites for the title.