Virat Kohli teases Shubman Gill and Gujarat Titans with wild gestures during Qua – Virat Kohli’s Viral Antics: Teasing Shubman Gill in IPL 2026 Qualifier 1
A Night of Records and Playful Banter
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala witnessed a truly clinical performance during Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2026, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) dismantled the Gujarat Titans (GT) by a massive 92 runs. While the 254/5 scoreline—the highest in IPL playoff history—was the primary focus, Virat Kohli ensured that the spectacle extended beyond the boundary ropes with his spirited and playful demeanor.
RCB’s Batting Masterclass
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were in unstoppable form, posting a mammoth total that left the Gujarat Titans reeling. The charge was led by RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who struck a blistering unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya contributed valuable 43-run knocks, ensuring the pressure remained firmly on the opposition. This dominant performance propelled RCB into their second consecutive IPL final, a testament to their consistency this season.
The Viral Moment: Kohli and Gill
Following the match, a video clip surfaced on social media that immediately grabbed the attention of cricket fans worldwide. During the Gujarat Titans’ group photo session at the picturesque Dharamshala venue, Virat Kohli was spotted nearby, engaging in some light-hearted banter with Shubman Gill. The veteran superstar was seen making his famous ‘Babaji Ka Thullu’ hand gesture, followed by a playful dance and a snake gesture directed toward the GT captain. The interaction, captured in the candid footage, highlighted the friendly relationship between the two stars despite the intensity of the playoff environment.
The ‘Bowling’ Antics
The entertainment did not stop there. In another light-hearted sequence, Kohli was seen meticulously marking out a bowling run-up. With ball in hand, he jogged toward the crease before passing the ball to teammate Jacob Duffy, who ultimately starred in the match with three crucial wickets. Kohli then walked toward the umpire, retrieved his cap, and shared a laugh, leaving fans speculating whether the former RCB skipper would make a rare bowling appearance. While he ultimately did not bowl, the moment served as a testament to the relaxed and confident mood within the RCB camp following their massive victory.
A Historic Milestone for the King
Amidst the fun and games, Virat Kohli continued to solidify his legendary status in the Indian Premier League. During the match against Gujarat Titans, Kohli achieved a historic feat by becoming the first batter to score 500 or more runs against eight different IPL franchises. This elite list now includes the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the Gujarat Titans. Furthermore, he extended his record of scoring 600-plus runs in four consecutive IPL seasons, further cementing his reputation as the premier run-scorer in the tournament’s history.
The Path Ahead for Gujarat Titans
While the night belonged to Bengaluru, the 2022 title winners, Gujarat Titans, still have a path to the summit clash. Despite the heavy defeat and a lack of support for Rahul Tewatia’s valiant 68-run effort, GT will regroup for Qualifier 2. They await the winner of the Eliminator match between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). As the tournament heads toward its climax, the intensity is expected to rise, but for one night, the focus remained on the sheer joy and dominant spirit displayed by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their talismanic leader, Virat Kohli.
