Watch- Devdutt Padikkal Takes Virat Kohli’s Revenge From Jason Holder – Devdutt Padikkal Mimics Jason Holder in RCB’s Dominant IPL 2026 Qualifier Win
A Night of High Drama in Dharamsala
The IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala will be remembered for years to come, not just for the sheer dominance displayed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but for the underlying tension and flair that punctuated their 92-run victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT). While RCB booked their spot in the final with a record-breaking performance, a specific moment of on-field tit-for-tat between Devdutt Padikkal and Jason Holder captured the internet’s imagination.
The Initial Spark: Holder’s Aggressive Send-off
The incident began during the first innings of the match. Virat Kohli was looking in sublime touch, cruising to 43 off just 25 balls. With five boundaries and a six, he had helped build a formidable platform for RCB alongside Devdutt Padikkal. However, in the ninth over, Jason Holder delivered a sharp, deceptive short ball. Kohli attempted an awkward hook shot but only succeeded in edging the ball onto his stumps.
Following the wicket, the atmosphere turned electric. Jason Holder, clearly energized by the breakthrough, celebrated aggressively right in front of Kohli, performing an animated, jogging-style run-away gesture as the former RCB skipper made his way back to the pavilion. This display of bravado did not go unnoticed by the Bengaluru dugout, setting the stage for an inevitable response.
Devdutt Padikkal’s Perfect Revenge
As the match progressed into the second innings, the tides turned dramatically against the Gujarat Titans. Under immense pressure, the GT batting order began to crumble. When Rasikh Salam dismissed Jason Holder for a three-ball duck in the sixth over, the opportunity for a reply had arrived.
Devdutt Padikkal, sensing the moment, immediately recreated the exact jogging celebration that Holder had utilized earlier. The gesture was instantaneous and precise, effectively mocking the GT all-rounder’s earlier antics. The viral moment served as a testament to the competitive spirit of the current RCB side and quickly became the most talked-about incident on social media.
Beyond the Celebration: A Collective Masterclass
While the rivalry provided the theater, the substance of the match lay in RCB’s overwhelming dominance. Led by skipper Rajat Patidar, who smashed a blistering 93 not out off just 33 balls, RCB posted a massive 254/5—the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match.
Devdutt Padikkal played an instrumental role in this total, contributing a stylish 30 off 19 deliveries. His aggressive strike rate of 157.89 helped maintain the tempo during the powerplay, ensuring that the momentum stayed firmly with Bengaluru. His partnership with Kohli was pivotal in establishing the foundation that allowed the middle order to flourish later in the innings.
Total Destruction of the GT Lineup
After their batting heroics, the RCB bowling attack proved equally lethal. Jacob Duffy struck early, dismissing Sai Sudharsan in a bizarre hit-wicket incident, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar accounted for the dangerous Shubman Gill. Rasikh Salam then produced a spell of absolute brilliance, removing both Nishant Sindhu and Jason Holder in the same over to leave the Titans reeling at 51/5.
The Gujarat Titans never recovered from that collapse and were eventually bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. This commanding 92-run victory not only showcased the depth of the Royal Challengers’ roster but also highlighted their psychological resilience. Having dominated the league stage and the qualifier, RCB now heads into the final as the team to beat, with the entire squad firing on all cylinders.
This match served as a reminder of why the IPL remains the pinnacle of T20 cricket: where individual battles, tactical brilliance, and sheer raw talent collide in the most spectacular fashion.
