4,4,6,4! Virat Kohli smashes 18 runs against Kagiso Rabada during IPL 2026 final
A Masterclass in High-Stakes Batting
The stage was set for one of the most anticipated encounters in recent T20 history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, walked into the IPL 2026 final with the weight of expectation on their shoulders. Aiming to become only the third team in history to successfully defend their crown, the team needed a strong start in their run chase, and their talisman, Virat Kohli, delivered exactly that.
Alongside Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli approached the target with a mindset that blended aggression with calculated risk. The Gujarat Titans, boasting a potent bowling attack, relied heavily on their spearhead, Kagiso Rabada. Known for his ability to dismantle top-order batting lineups within the powerplay, Rabada entered this final having already claimed 20 wickets in the opening phase of the innings throughout the 2026 season.
The Kohli-Rabada Showdown
As the second over of the chase commenced, all eyes were on the duel between the seasoned Indian master of run chases and the fierce South African fast bowler. With a target that required steady accumulation, many might have expected a cautious approach from the RCB opener. However, Kohli, ever the one to embrace high-pressure challenges, chose to seize the initiative.
4,4,6,4! Virat Kohli smashes 18 runs against Kagiso Rabada during IPL 2026 final, turning the tide of the powerplay in an instant. The sequence of boundaries showcased Kohli’s impeccable timing and ability to read length, effectively neutralizing the threat of one of the world’s premier fast bowlers. This onslaught provided the necessary momentum that RCB desperately needed to stay ahead of the required run rate.
The Significance of the Momentum
The impact of those 18 runs stretched far beyond the scoreboard. By putting the opposition’s primary strike bowler on the back foot early, RCB forced the Gujarat Titans to rethink their tactical approach. For RCB, this season has been defined by their ability to remain resilient, and Kohli’s authority at the crease served as a reflection of the team’s championship DNA.
Having clinched their maiden title in 2025, the Bengaluru side has navigated the 2026 season with a mix of flair and strategic brilliance. Their journey to the final has been paved with individual brilliance and collective effort, but the top-order stability provided by the opening duo has remained the bedrock of their success.
Why This Matters for RCB
History beckons for the franchise. The pressure of back-to-back finals can often cause teams to crumble, yet the composure shown by Kohli in the face of Rabada’s pace illustrates exactly why he remains the premier batter in global cricket. While the match is still in its infancy, the tone has been firmly set. The fans in the stands and those watching globally were treated to a masterclass in how to dismantle a world-class bowling attack.
As the chase continues, the focus remains on whether RCB can maintain this intensity. With the required run rate under control and the momentum firmly in their favor, the dream of consecutive IPL titles feels closer than ever. The resilience shown by the team throughout the tournament, combined with the explosive form of their leaders, positions them as the team to beat in this final clash.
The match continues, and with Kohli looking in sublime touch, the record books may need to be updated by the time the final ball is bowled. Stay tuned as we track the progress of this historic title defense.
