Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a commanding performance against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, storming into their second consecutive final with a massive 92-run victory in Dharamsala on Tuesday. While RCB’s dominant all-round display grabbed headlines, the emotional post-match moment between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers became one of the biggest talking points of the night.
Moments after the final wicket fell, Kohli was seen sharing a heartfelt hug with the former RCB legend near the boundary ropes, sending fans into an emotional frenzy on social media.
The iconic duo remains one of the most celebrated partnerships in IPL history. Over the years, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers produced countless memorable performances together for Bengaluru, including their legendary 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions in 2016 and the unforgettable 215-run partnership versus Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium in 2015.
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Earlier in the match, RCB completely overwhelmed the Gujarat Titans with the bat. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, smashing five boundaries and nine sixes in a brutal counterattack. His explosive innings powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 254 for five — the highest total ever recorded in IPL playoff history.
A special meet-up we always love to see 🫂❤️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9rs6u5obOw#TATAIPL | #Qualifier1 | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets | @ABdeVilliers17 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/t7HPajkh79
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2026
Virat Kohli continued his excellent IPL 2026 form with a fluent 43 off 25 balls, while Devdutt Padikkal and Krunal Pandya also made valuable contributions to keep the pressure firmly on the Gujarat Titans throughout the innings.
In reply, GT crumbled under the scoreboard pressure as RCB’s bowling attack produced another clinical performance. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam and Krunal Pandya dismantled the Gujarat batting lineup, reducing them to a hopeless position early in the chase.
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Despite Rahul Tewatia’s fighting 68, the Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs. With the emphatic win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru now stand just one victory away from becoming only the third franchise in IPL history — after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians — to successfully defend their IPL title.
