A costly fielding lapse from Washington Sundar turned the tide in a high-stakes IPL 2026 clash, as Gujarat Titans let Virat Kohli off the hook early at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Dropped on zero, Kohli made GT pay dearly, producing a commanding innings that shifted momentum firmly in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s favour.
Chasing a daunting 200-plus total without the explosive Phil Salt, RCB’s batting responsibility rested heavily on Kohli’s shoulders. With Jacob Bethell making his debut and still finding his feet, the veteran opener had to anchor the chase — a role he has mastered over the years at this venue.
The turning point came early when Mohammed Siraj induced a false shot from Kohli. A mistimed effort resulted in a straightforward chance at short mid-wicket, but Sundar failed to hold on. It was a rare error — one that visibly frustrated Siraj, who knew the magnitude of the missed opportunity.
ALSO READ: Fans Erupt as Sai Sudharsan’s Century Powers GT in RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Clash
At that stage, dismissing Kohli for a duck could have tilted the game decisively in Gujarat’s favour. Instead, the drop allowed RCB to build early momentum, with runs flowing freely in the powerplay. Siraj did bounce back to remove Bethell, thanks to a sharp catch by Shahrukh Khan in the covers, but the damage had already begun.
Washington sundar
Run – 100 SR
Bowling not complete 4 over
Catch drop – Virat Kohli
#RCBvsGT pic.twitter.com/fBCObLzweg— Barca man 💙❤️ (@TechnoG17290786) April 24, 2026
Once settled, Kohli shifted gears seamlessly. He tackled GT’s pace attack with authority, taking on Kagiso Rabada and Prasidh Krishna with confidence, showcasing his trademark balance and timing.
Even Rashid Khan, often a game-changer in the middle overs, couldn’t contain Kohli. The RCB star brought up a personal milestone by smashing his 300th IPL six, sending the ball soaring over long-on before following it up with a crisp extra-cover drive — a statement of intent.
WATCH – Suyash Sharma Mocks Shubman Gill with Bold Celebration After Key Breakthrough
Kohli’s innings gathered pace rapidly as he surged towards a fluent half-century, once again proving why he remains one of the most reliable chasers in T20 cricket. His ability to absorb pressure and then accelerate at the right moment stood out, especially in a high-pressure run chase.
For Gujarat Titans, Sundar’s dropped catch could prove to be a defining moment in the match. In a format where margins are razor-thin, giving a player of Kohli’s calibre a second chance often comes at a heavy cost — and RCB looked determined to capitalize on it.
