Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans with wild gestures during Qua – Virat Kohli’s Viral Antics with Shubman Gill During IPL 2026 Qualifier 1

A Masterclass in Dharamshala

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed a historic performance on Tuesday, May 26, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026. The atmosphere was electric, but it wasn’t just the cricket that caught the attention of the global fanbase; it was the exuberant energy of Virat Kohli that truly set the internet on fire.

RCB stormed into their second consecutive IPL final with a statement victory, winning by a staggering 92 runs. Posting a monumental 254/5, RCB recorded the highest total ever seen in the history of IPL playoffs. The batting display was spearheaded by captain Rajat Patidar, who hammered an unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries. Contributions from Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, who each scored 43, ensured that the Gujarat Titans were always playing catch-up.

Kohli’s Historic Milestone

Beyond the theatrics, Virat Kohli continued to etch his name into the record books. With his performance in Qualifier 1, the superstar batter became the first player in history to score 600-plus runs in four consecutive IPL seasons. Furthermore, he achieved the unique milestone of scoring over 500 runs against eight different franchises, cementing his status as the most consistent run-scorer in the tournament’s history.

The Viral Moment: Kohli and Gill

While the batting was clinical, the post-match atmosphere turned light-hearted when a video surfaced online showing Kohli in a playful mood. During the Gujarat Titans’ group photo session, Kohli, standing near the boundary rope, was seen teasing GT captain Shubman Gill. The former RCB skipper playfully used the iconic ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ gesture, much to the amusement of fans on social media.

The clip, which showed Kohli dancing and offering a humorous ‘snake’ gesture toward the GT players, quickly went viral. It was a rare glimpse into the camaraderie shared by modern-day cricketers, even in the high-stakes environment of an IPL playoff.

The ‘Bowling’ Mystery

The entertainment didn’t stop there. In another light-hearted sequence, Kohli was spotted marking a full-length bowling run-up, complete with the ball in his hand, before passing it to teammate Jacob Duffy. He even walked toward the umpire to collect his cap, leaving many fans wondering if the legendary batter was about to make a rare appearance with the ball. While he ultimately did not bowl, the moment became one of the most talked-about highlights of the evening.

Gujarat Titans’ Struggle

For the Gujarat Titans, the night was one to forget. Under immense pressure, the team collapsed early, losing five wickets within the powerplay. A hit-wicket dismissal for Sai Sudharsan and a cheap outing for Gill compounded their misery. Despite a gritty 68 from Rahul Tewatia, the target proved too steep, and the team was bowled out for 162. Jacob Duffy emerged as the star with the ball for RCB, claiming three crucial wickets.

Despite this defeat, the 2022 champions still have a lifeline. They move to Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between the Rajasthan Royals and the Sunrisers Hyderabad. As the IPL 2026 season reaches its crescendo, the focus remains on whether RCB can convert this momentum into their first title, or if the Gujarat Titans can bounce back from their Dharamshala nightmare.

The blend of high-octane cricket and the infectious energy brought by players like Kohli ensures that the remainder of the season promises plenty of thrills for fans worldwide.