Yuzvendra Chahal finally cracked the code against Virat Kohli during the high-voltage IPL 2026 clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on Sunday. Despite being the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, Chahal has rarely managed to dismiss Kohli across their long careers.
Having spent several years together at RCB, the leg-spinner knew exactly how dangerous Kohli could be once set at the crease. Yet, before this match, Chahal had removed the former RCB captain only once in IPL cricket — during the Eliminator clash between Rajasthan Royals and RCB in IPL 2024.
This time, however, the veteran spinner executed his plan perfectly. Chahal slowed the pace down and tossed the ball up around middle and leg stump, tempting Kohli into going aerial. The RCB superstar attempted one of his trademark wristy flicks towards deep mid-wicket, hoping to clear the boundary rider with ease.
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But the delivery held slightly on the surface and never arrived onto the bat as quickly as Kohli expected. The timing was not clean enough, and instead of sailing into the stands, the ball ballooned towards deep mid-wicket where Priyansh Arya kept his composure and completed an excellent catch under pressure.
The dismissal handed Punjab Kings a much-needed breakthrough in a must-win contest. Kohli walked back after another commanding innings, scoring 58 runs off 37 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and three sixes.
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Even in dismissal, Kohli continued rewriting IPL history. The RCB icon now holds the record for scoring the most runs against a single opponent in IPL history. His latest knock took his tally against the Punjab Kings to 1217 runs in 37 innings, surpassing his own records against the Chennai Super Kings and the Delhi Capitals.
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Kohli also achieved another historic milestone by registering his ninth IPL season with 500 or more runs — the most by any batter in tournament history. David Warner and KL Rahul sit second with seven such seasons each.
RCB eventually posted a massive 222/4 in their 20 overs, powered by Kohli’s classy fifty, Devdutt Padikkal’s fluent 45, and an explosive unbeaten 73 from Venkatesh Iyer in Dharamsala.
