Watch- Devdutt Padikkal Takes Virat Kohli’s Revenge From Jason Holder – Devdutt Padikkal’s Iconic Celebration: A Tit-for-Tat Response to Jason Holder in IPL 2026
A Night of High Drama in Dharamsala
The IPL 2026 playoffs delivered a spectacle for the ages, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) producing a clinical masterclass against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1. While the 92-run margin of victory was a testament to RCB’s dominance, the match will be equally remembered for the fiery on-field duel between Devdutt Padikkal and Jason Holder.
The Spark: Holder’s Aggressive Send-off
The tension began in the ninth over of the first innings. Virat Kohli had looked in sublime touch, carving out a quick-fire 43 off 25 balls with a flurry of boundaries. Just as he seemed primed for a massive score, Jason Holder struck. A sharp, short delivery forced an awkward hook from the former RCB captain, resulting in a bottom edge that crashed into the stumps.
What followed was an intense reaction from the GT all-rounder. Holder celebrated aggressively, looking directly at Kohli and performing a jogging-style run-away gesture as he sent him back to the pavilion. It was a bold move that clearly rippled through the Bengaluru camp, signaling that the gloves were off.
The Revenge: Padikkal Steals the Spotlight
Fast forward to the second innings. Gujarat Titans were reeling, struggling to keep pace with the mammoth 254-run target. When Rasikh Salam trapped Jason Holder for a three-ball duck in the sixth over, the opportunity for a response was immediate. Devdutt Padikkal, stationed in the field, seized the moment.
As Holder trudged off, Padikkal began sprinting toward his teammates while mimicking the exact jogging celebration Holder had used against Kohli earlier. The recreation was instant, precise, and quickly went viral across social media platforms. Fans and pundits alike were quick to label it the ‘perfect revenge,’ highlighting the camaraderie and protective spirit within the RCB squad.
Padikkal’s Dual Impact
While his celebration grabbed the headlines, Devdutt Padikkal’s performance with the bat was arguably the more vital contribution to RCB’s cause. Playing with intent and flair, the left-hander smashed 30 off 19 deliveries, maintaining a strike rate of 157.89. His partnership of 72 runs with Virat Kohli set the platform for the carnage that followed.
Padikkal’s aggressive approach kept the Gujarat Titans’ bowlers under constant pressure, preventing them from settling into any rhythm during the powerplay. His ability to find gaps and rotate the strike allowed the middle order to flourish, eventually setting the stage for captain Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls.
RCB’s Path to the Final
Following the massive total of 254/5, the RCB bowling attack ensured the Gujarat Titans never gained a foothold. The destruction began early with Jacob Duffy dismissing Sai Sudharsan via a hit-wicket, followed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar removing Shubman Gill. Rasikh Salam’s brilliant spell then dismantled the middle order, leaving GT at a precarious 51/5.
The Gujarat Titans were eventually bowled out for 162, handing RCB a massive 92-run win and a direct ticket to the IPL 2026 Final. It was a complete team performance that perfectly balanced aggressive batting, disciplined bowling, and a spirited attitude that defined the night. As the season approaches its climax, RCB’s momentum appears unstoppable, fueled by both their tactical brilliance and their unshakeable team spirit.
