Virat Kohli’s near-perfect chase at the Chinnaswamy ended in visible frustration, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star fell just short of what looked like another iconic IPL knock. Dismissed by Jason Holder after smashing two towering sixes in the same over, Kohli walked back for a blistering 81, missing out on a ninth IPL century but leaving a lasting impact on the contest.
The innings came in response to a sensational hundred from Sai Sudharsan, whose commanding performance had earlier powered Gujarat Titans to a strong total. With the pressure of a 200-plus chase, Kohli once again stepped into his familiar role as RCB’s chase anchor — a role he has mastered over the years.
ALSO READ: Washington Sundar Drops Sitter As Virat Kohli Punishes GT in IPL 2026 Clash
Interestingly, Virat Kohli’s knock could have ended before it even began. Dropped for a duck on the very first ball, the veteran made Gujarat pay dearly for that lapse. From there, he shifted gears effortlessly, blending control with aggression and finding boundaries with trademark precision.
— Cricket Videos (@CricketVds) April 24, 2026
His battle with Jason Holder stood out as one of the defining moments of the innings. After launching the all-rounder for back-to-back sixes, including a clean strike straight down the ground, Kohli seemed set to take the game away. However, Holder had the final say, deceiving him with a clever slower short ball that resulted in Kohli dragging it back onto his stumps.
WATCH – Fans Erupt as Sai Sudharsan’s Century Powers GT in RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Clash
The dismissal triggered an emotional reaction, with Kohli clearly frustrated at missing out on a match-defining finish. Despite falling short of a century, his innings once again underlined his consistency, intent, and unmatched ability to dominate high-pressure chases in the IPL.
