Watch: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers share special reunion in Ahmedabad ahead o
A Legendary Bond at the Narendra Modi Stadium
The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is nothing short of electric as the cricketing world converges for the IPL 2026 final. Amidst the tension and the high stakes of a title clash, a touching scene unfolded on the pitch. Watch: Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers share special reunion in Ahmedabad ahead o the match, a moment that serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring friendship forged through years of playing together for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Although AB de Villiers has long since retired from the professional game, his connection with Virat Kohli remains as strong as ever. With De Villiers present at the venue in his capacity as a commentator, the two legends took a moment away from their professional duties to reconnect. It was a heartfelt exchange that drew the attention of fans and photographers alike, highlighting the human element behind the intense sporting rivalry.
The Legacy of the RCB Icons
For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru faithful, seeing these two together is akin to witnessing royalty. Their partnership on the field during their active playing days produced countless memorable moments that have become part of IPL folklore. Even with the immense pressure surrounding an IPL final, Kohli appeared relaxed and jubilant, seen smiling and sharing an animated conversation with his former teammate on the lush outfield of the world’s largest cricket stadium.
This reunion echoes the joy witnessed in 2025, when RCB finally secured their maiden trophy. On that historic night, the image of Kohli leaping into the arms of De Villiers—who was waiting just outside the ropes—became an iconic snapshot of the tournament. It was a culmination of years of hard work, and tonight, Kohli stands on the precipice of greatness once again.
Kohli’s Incredible IPL Journey
Virat Kohli’s career trajectory in the IPL is unparalleled. He remains the only batter in the history of the league to have notched up 9 centuries across his five final appearances. His loyalty is equally legendary, having played for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for 19 consecutive seasons since the tournament’s inception. His consistency is staggering, with nine individual seasons yielding over 500 runs each.
In the current 2026 campaign, the batting maestro has been in scintillating form. Ahead of the final, Kohli has amassed 600 runs in 15 innings, featuring four half-centuries and an impressive century. His highest score of 105* underscores his ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a strike rate of 164.38 and an average of 50.00. Fans are eagerly anticipating another masterclass from the icon as he looks to lead RCB to a successful title defense against the formidable Gujarat Titans.
Match Context and Early Momentum
The final is currently underway, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have started the contest with intent. Opting to bowl first, the RCB pace battery has already made significant inroads. The combination of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood has proved lethal, successfully dismissing key Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharshan early in the first innings. This controlled bowling performance has provided RCB with the momentum they need to stifle the opposition and exert dominance on the biggest stage of all.
As the match progresses, the narrative remains centered on whether RCB can repeat their glory from the previous season, where they famously defeated the Punjab Kings to claim the title. With the support of legends like AB de Villiers watching from the sidelines, and the unwavering determination of Virat Kohli at the crease, the stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the IPL 2026 season.
