Virat Kohli’s wild celebration after Shubman Gill’s wicket. (Image credit: IPL)
New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s intensity was on full display in the IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru took early control of Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.While Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered the decisive knocks with the ball, it was Kohli’s spirited celebrations after dismissing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsen that quickly became a talking point among fans.The former RCB captain looked fired up from the start as RCB looked for early breakthroughs after skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field.
Kohli explodes after Gill’s big wicketThe first breakthrough came in the third over when Hazlewood removed captain GT Gill for 10 off eight balls.The Australian pacer banged in a short-length delivery that climbed awkwardly on Gill. Trying to pull with his short arm, the GT skipper only managed an ill-timed cut shot towards mid-off, with Patidar completing a comfortable catch.As soon as he took the catch, Kohli burst into celebration. The star batsman was seen pumping his fists hard and screaming in delight as RCB celebrated the huge early wicket.
Gill’s dismissal was a significant moment in the competition given his outstanding record in Ahmedabad and his role in guiding GT to the final.
Sudharsen follows, and Kohli celebrates againA little more later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck another decisive blow.Sai Sudharsen, one of Gujarat’s most consistent batsmen this season, miscued a powerful delivery from a surprised bouncer and hit the ball at the top of short leg. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma took off quickly and completed an excellent catch of the run.Kohli’s reaction was immediate.The former India captain rushed towards Bhuvneshwar, hugging the veteran before lifting him in celebration as RCB sensed an opportunity to put GT under immense pressure.The double strike left the Giants reeling on the power play and gave Bengaluru the start they were hoping for in a high-stakes final.RCB entered the competition unchanged after their first qualifier win over Gujarat earlier in the week, while the Narendra Modi Stadium was filled with Kohli’s famous No. 18 jerseys despite it being Gujarat’s home stadium.As the RCB players presented in the openers, Kohli’s passion and commercial energy presented the perfect image of a team intent on retaining the IPL crown.Watch Kohli’s celebrations here: