4,4,6,4! Virat Kohli smashes 18 runs against Kagiso Rabada during IPL 2026 final

A Masterclass in the Powerplay

The atmosphere at the stadium was electric as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) began their pursuit of the target in the IPL 2026 final. With the weight of expectations resting on their shoulders, Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer stepped onto the field with a clear intent: to dictate terms from the very first ball. The duo provided a flying start that proved essential in a high-stakes encounter where momentum acts as the ultimate currency.

RCB finds themselves on the precipice of greatness. Having secured their inaugural title in 2025, they are now just a few steps away from becoming only the third franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League to clinch back-to-back championships. Their journey to this final has been nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting a level of consistency that has defined their recent era.

Tackling the Rabada Threat

Heading into the final, all eyes were fixed on the battle between the Gujarat Titans’ strike bowler, Kagiso Rabada, and the RCB top order. Rabada has been a nightmare for opposition batters throughout the 2026 season, particularly during the powerplay overs. With an impressive record of 20 wickets in the first six overs alone, he was widely regarded as the single biggest threat to RCB’s ambitions.

However, Virat Kohli, the undisputed master of run chases, thrives under such high-pressure scenarios. While many might have approached the prolific South African speedster with caution, Kohli viewed the challenge as an opportunity to set the game’s tempo. The clash between the two icons of the sport lived up to every expectation, providing fans with a spectacle of aggressive batting versus world-class pace.

The Turning Point of the Chase

The turning point arrived during the second over of Rabada’s spell. In a stunning display of strokeplay, 4,4,6,4! Virat Kohli smashes 18 runs against Kagiso Rabada during IPL 2026 final, effectively neutralizing the powerplay threat that the Gujarat Titans had banked on. The sequence of boundaries—two crisp fours, a towering six, and another clinical four—sent the RCB dugout into a frenzy and shifted the momentum firmly in Bengaluru’s favor.

This aggressive cameo was exactly what the team required to settle the nerves and establish authority early in the innings. By forcing the bowler to alter his lengths, Kohli not only secured vital runs but also disrupted the rhythm of the Gujarat attack, forcing the captain to shuffle his bowling options earlier than anticipated.

Historical Context and Significance

The 2026 season has been a testament to RCB’s evolution as a unit. Winning back-to-back titles is an elite feat that separates legendary teams from the rest. The presence of Kohli at the crease, providing stability while simultaneously punishing loose deliveries, serves as the cornerstone of this campaign. His ability to read the game—knowing exactly when to defend and when to unleash an all-out attack—remains his greatest asset.

As the chase progresses, RCB’s ability to maintain this level of intensity will be tested. However, the early fireworks provided by Kohli have given them a significant psychological advantage. The crowd, sensing a historic moment, continues to cheer on as their heroes fight for the ultimate prize in franchise cricket.

The match continues to evolve, and with both teams fighting tooth and nail, every ball counts. While the early exchanges have favored Bengaluru, the Gujarat Titans remain a resilient side known for their ability to bounce back in the middle overs. As the game unfolds, the tactical battle between the RCB middle order and the Titans’ spin department is set to be the next decisive phase of this thrilling final.

Stay tuned for more updates as this gripping finale continues to unfold.