Virat Kohli Goes To Bowl, Immediately Retracts As Rajat Patidar Pays No Heed – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Bowling Prank Steals the Show in RCB’s Dominant IPL 2026 Qualifier Win
A Dominant Performance at Dharamsala
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala witnessed a masterclass in cricket as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1. By securing a massive 92-run victory, RCB punched their ticket to the final, proving once again why they are the team to beat this season.
While the team performance was clinical, the match provided a blend of high-octane sporting action and light-hearted entertainment, largely thanks to the iconic Virat Kohli.
Rajat Patidar Leads the Charge
The foundation of RCB’s triumph was built on an explosive batting display. Asked to bat first, the team posted a daunting total of 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Leading the charge was Rajat Patidar, whose captaincy and batting brilliance were on full display. Patidar smashed an unbeaten 93 off just 39 balls, a knock defined by fearless strokeplay and an aggressive intent that left the Gujarat Titans’ bowling unit without answers.
Virat Kohli also contributed significantly to the mammoth total, scoring a quickfire 43 off 25 balls at a strike rate of 172.00. Beyond the runs, Kohli achieved a monumental personal milestone, becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League to score over 600 runs in four consecutive seasons—a testament to his unparalleled consistency.
Gujarat Titans Crumble Under Pressure
Chasing a record-breaking target of 255, the Gujarat Titans faced a nightmarish start. The pressure of the scoreboard proved too much, and they lost five crucial wickets within the powerplay. The dismissal of Sai Sudharsan via hit-wicket epitomized their chaotic start, and even captain Shubman Gill could not provide the stability needed. Although Rahul Tewatia offered some resistance, the mountain was simply too high to climb, and Gujarat was bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
Kohli’s Viral Bowling Moment
Amidst the intensity of the Qualifier, Virat Kohli provided a moment of levity that instantly went viral across social media. As Jacob Duffy was preparing to bowl the opening over, Kohli playfully took the ball and began marking his run-up. He adjusted the field settings with a smirk, signaled as if he were preparing to deliver the ball, and then suddenly stopped, handing the ball back to the genuine pacer with a laugh. Both the on-field umpire and Rajat Patidar joined in the amusement, while the Dharamsala crowd roared with delight.
For years, the chant “Kohli ko bowling do” (Give Kohli the ball) has been a staple of RCB matches. Fans have long been enamored with the idea of seeing Kohli roll his arm over, a request that has taken on a life of its own.
A Look at Kohli’s Bowling History
While the crowd’s enthusiasm is palpable, it is worth noting the actual statistics. Kohli has delivered 251 legal balls in his IPL career, claiming four wickets in the process. However, fans have not seen an official bowling delivery from the legendary batter in the IPL since 2016. Despite this long hiatus, the desire to see him bowl remains as strong as ever, with every fielding position he takes sparking hope among the spectators.
Looking Ahead
With this emphatic win, RCB cements their place in their second consecutive IPL final. The Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, are not out of the tournament just yet. They will move to Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator, hoping to regroup and redeem their campaign. As the tournament reaches its business end, RCB remains the form team, riding high on both individual excellence and a unified team strategy that seems capable of overcoming any challenge on the road to the trophy.
