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

Priya Nair · · 4 min read

A Commanding Display at Dharamsala

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium witnessed a masterclass in T20 cricket as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans in a one-sided Qualifier 1 encounter. With a resounding 92-run victory, the Bengaluru franchise has firmly cemented its spot in the IPL 2026 final, showcasing the depth and aggression that has defined their campaign this season.

While the result was decided by a collective team effort, the match provided a blend of high-octane cricket and light-hearted entertainment, much of which centered around the legendary Virat Kohli. From historic milestones to his playful interaction with the crowd and teammates, Kohli remained the central figure of the evening.

Rajat Patidar’s Batting Masterclass

The foundation of RCB’s triumph was laid by a breathtaking performance from captain Rajat Patidar. Asked to bat first, RCB posted a formidable 254/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Patidar was the architect of this carnage, dismantling the Gujarat bowling attack with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 39 deliveries. His fearless approach and ability to find the boundaries at will left the opposition reeling, effectively taking the game away from the Titans before the chase had even begun.

Virat Kohli provided able support, contributing a vital 43 runs off 25 balls at a strike rate of 172.00. During this knock, Kohli achieved another significant milestone, becoming the first player in the history of the Indian Premier League to amass over 600 runs in four consecutive seasons. This consistent excellence highlights why Kohli remains the benchmark for batting standards in the tournament.

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The Match-Winning Bowling Effort

Chasing a massive target of 255, the Gujarat Titans were never truly in the contest. A disastrous powerplay saw the top order crumble, with the team losing five wickets within the first six overs. The dismissal of Sai Sudharsan via a hit-wicket was emblematic of a night where nothing went right for the Titans. Despite a brave effort from Rahul Tewatia, the mountain was simply too high to climb, and Gujarat was eventually bundled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

Kohli’s Playful Moment: The “Bowling” Incident

Amidst the intensity of a playoff match, Virat Kohli offered fans a moment of pure gold. As Jacob Duffy was preparing to bowl the opening over, Kohli took the ball, walked back to mark his run-up, and went through the motions of setting a field. He even mimicked a bowling action, much to the delight of the crowd in Dharamsala, who erupted in cheers. The chants of “Kohli ko bowling do” (give Kohli the ball) are a staple in RCB matches, reflecting the fan desire to see the batter roll his arm over.

The moment was purely a bit of banter, as Kohli quickly handed the ball back to Duffy after sharing a laugh with the on-field umpire and Rajat Patidar. It serves as a reminder of the relaxed, team-first environment that has empowered the squad during this successful tournament run.

A Look at Kohli’s Bowling History

While fans constantly clamor for a bowl, Kohli’s actual involvement as a bowler in the IPL has been sparse in recent years. Statistically, he has sent down 251 deliveries in his career, claiming four wickets along the way. However, it is notable that he has not delivered an official ball in the IPL since 2016. Despite this long hiatus, the persona of Kohli—the all-rounder who can do it all—continues to captivate the imagination of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

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As the curtains close on this spectacular performance, RCB now prepares for the final, carrying the momentum of a dominant victory. Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans must regroup for Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator. For RCB, the focus remains clear: one final push to lift the trophy and cap off an extraordinary season.

Priya Nair
Priya Nair

Priya Nair is a Cricket News Editor at IPLT20Stats, specializing in IPL coverage, player interviews, match highlights, and breaking cricket news. She is passionate about Indian cricket and focuses on delivering timely, engaging, and SEO-optimized news articles for cricket fans worldwide. With strong knowledge of T20 leagues and player statistics, Priya contributes detailed match analysis and trending cricket stories across the IPL season.