Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans’ Team Photoshoot – Virat Kohli’s Hilarious Antics Before RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier
A Playful Start to a High-Stakes Clash
The atmosphere at Dharamsala on May 26 was thick with tension as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepared to face the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier. While the stakes for the ‘Ticket to the Finale’ were immense, one man remained unfazed by the pressure: Virat Kohli. Known for his intense competitiveness, Kohli also possesses a fun-loving side that frequently surfaces during team engagements, and this day was no different.
As the Gujarat Titans assembled for their customary pre-match photoshoot near the boundary ropes, Kohli was spotted on the sidelines observing the proceedings with a mischievous glint in his eye. In a moment that quickly caught the attention of fans and photographers alike, the RCB talisman decided to inject some humor into the GT camp’s routine.
The ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ Moment
In a hilarious gesture caught by a spectator’s camera, Kohli flashed the famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ sign towards the Gujarat Titans squad. The gesture, often used in a lighthearted or mocking fashion in pop culture, drew a chuckle from Kohli himself. The Titans, perhaps too focused on their professional commitment, remained stoic throughout the prank, seemingly unaware or choosing to ignore the RCB star’s playful jab.
This lighthearted incident was just one of many exchanges between Kohli and his counterpart, Shubman Gill, throughout the 2026 season. From inspecting the GT skipper’s beard to constant, friendly on-field banter, the relationship between the two stars has become one of the highlights of the tournament for cricket enthusiasts.
RCB’s Dominance on the Field
While the pre-match antics were all in good fun, the seriousness of the match that followed was undeniable. After losing the toss and being sent to bat first, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru unleashed an offensive masterclass. Venkatesh Iyer provided a promising start, but it was Virat Kohli who stabilized the innings, contributing a sharp 25-ball 43.
The real fireworks, however, came from captain Rajat Patidar. In a display of pure dominance, Patidar smashed a 33-ball 93 at an astonishing strike rate of 281. His blitzkrieg against the GT bowling attack allowed RCB to surge past the 250-run mark, setting the highest team total ever recorded in an IPL playoff game.
The Titans’ Collapse
The mammoth target proved to be far too much for the Gujarat Titans. The pressure exerted by the RCB total was immediate, and the Titans’ batting order crumbled under the weight of the requirement. Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were lethal with the ball, effectively strangling the opposition.
The collapse began early, with both openers, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, losing their wickets within the first four overs. By the time the powerplay concluded, the Titans had already lost five wickets. The middle overs provided no relief, as the score plummeted to 88 for 8 by the 12th over. Despite a valiant, late-game resistance from Rahul Tewatia, who scored a gritty 43-ball 68, the outcome had been decided long before the final ball.
The Gujarat Titans were bundled out in 19.3 overs, handing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru a resounding 92-run victory. This emphatic win served as the perfect closing act to a day that began with Kohli’s playful antics and ended with a clear message to the rest of the league: RCB is in top form and hungry for the trophy.
Whether he is engaging in hilarious sideline pranks or orchestrating high-scoring totals, Virat Kohli remains the heartbeat of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As the team moves forward to the final, fans can only wonder what other surprises, both on and off the field, the legendary batter has in store for the concluding stages of IPL 2026.
