Virat Kohli found himself at the centre of a dramatic moment during the IPL 2026 final against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru star was initially given out by the on-field umpire, only for the decision to be overturned after a tense review that sparked plenty of debate.
The incident occurred on the final ball of the 16th over during RCB’s chase of 156. Facing Gujarat Titans pacer Arshad Khan, Kohli chipped a delivery towards mid-off, where GT captain Shubman Gill dived forward to complete a low catch. While the on-field umpire ruled the batter out, Kohli immediately appeared unconvinced.
The former RCB captain believed the ball had touched the ground during the catching process and was visibly frustrated with the decision. Kohli was seen having an animated discussion with umpire Nitin Menon and strongly pushed for the decision to be reviewed by the third umpire.
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After multiple replays were examined, the television footage failed to provide conclusive evidence that Gill had complete control of the ball throughout the catch. The third umpire eventually ruled that part of the ball appeared to be in contact with the ground, overturning the original decision and granting Kohli a crucial reprieve.
🏏 Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Final
ON-FIELD MOMENT
A brief discussion between Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill over a catch decision. #GTvsRCB #RCBvsGT #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/xYwbcXXsXn
— MK Sharma ✍️ (@EmediaManoj) May 31, 2026
The decision triggered plenty of reactions both on and off the field. Kohli exchanged words with Gill before celebrating passionately after seeing the not-out verdict displayed on the big screen.
Eventually, Virat Kohli chased down the total with a score of 75 off 42 balls. The lifeline proved costly for the Gujarat Titans, as the veteran batter made full use of the opportunity and guided the RCB home in style. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries, striking nine boundaries and three sixes. He also registered the fastest IPL fifty of his career, reaching the milestone in only 25 balls. Fittingly, he sealed the victory with a towering six over long-on as RCB chased down the target with ease.
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Earlier, RCB’s bowlers had laid the foundation for victory. Rasikh Salam Dar starred with figures of 3/27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets each to restrict the Gujarat Titans to 155/8. The disciplined bowling effort, combined with Kohli’s masterclass, helped RCB secure their second consecutive IPL title.
