As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepared for the biggest game of their IPL 2026 campaign, a heartwarming moment between Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers captured fans’ attention ahead of the final against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Long before the first ball was bowled, Kohli was seen sharing an animated conversation with his former RCB teammate and close friend AB de Villiers.

While Kohli was gearing up for another high-pressure IPL final, De Villiers was present at the venue in his role as a commentator. The reunion instantly brought back memories of one of the most iconic partnerships in IPL history. Despite the tension surrounding the title clash, Kohli appeared relaxed and cheerful as he exchanged smiles and stories with the South African great. De Villiers, who remains one of the most beloved figures in RCB history despite retiring from professional cricket, looked equally delighted during the interaction.

The bond between the two cricketing legends goes far beyond statistics. Together, Kohli and De Villiers formed the backbone of RCB’s batting lineup for several years, producing countless match-winning partnerships and unforgettable moments. Their friendship has remained strong even after De Villiers stepped away from the game.

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The emotional connection was evident during IPL 2025 when RCB finally ended their long wait for a maiden title. De Villiers was present near the boundary rope when Bengaluru lifted the trophy, and one of the most memorable images from that night was Kohli celebrating alongside his longtime friend moments after the historic victory.

kohli with his biscotti AB 🫶🫶 pic.twitter.com/dsLptQJPK3

— satyam (@noontonightt) May 31, 2026

For Kohli, the IPL 2026 final represented another significant chapter in an extraordinary career. The RCB stalwart continues to rewrite records, having spent all 19 IPL seasons with a single franchise. His consistency remains unmatched, with multiple 500-plus run seasons highlighting his remarkable longevity at the highest level.

The former RCB captain entered the final in excellent form, scoring 600 runs in 15 innings during IPL 2026. His campaign included four half-centuries and a century, with an unbeaten 105 standing as his highest score of the season. He also maintained an impressive average of 50 and a strike rate above 164.

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As fans hoped for another Kohli masterclass on the grand stage, RCB’s bowlers ensured the team started strongly. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood struck early to remove Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, handing Bengaluru early control of the IPL 2026 final and setting the tone for a thrilling contest.