During Qualifier 1, Virat Kohli appeared to be in a rather playful mood on several occasions. While batting first when Royal Challengers Bangalore posted a massive total of 254 runs all the players seemed quite relaxed during the bowling innings; consequently, the Gujarat Titans' top order completely crumbled under the pressure of the scoreboard. However, Kohli was already in a fun-loving mood even before the match began, when he made the "Baba Ji Ka Thullu" gesture towards Shubman Gill and his team. During the match, he also shared a lighthearted moment with the umpire.
Just before the start of Qualifier 1 while the Gujarat Titans players were seated on the field for their team photograph Virat Kohli was already out on the pitch, pads on. RCB was set to bat first. However, there was no visible sign of pressure on Virat Kohli; he was spotted standing near the boundary rope, grooving in a lighthearted manner, after which he directed the "Baba Ji Ka Thullu" gesture toward the GT team. Videos circulating online claim that he specifically directed this gesture at Shubman Gill, doing so in a playful spirit.
watch video: Virat Kohli prank on umpire
After posting a total of 254 runs in the IPL 2026 Qualifier, Royal Challengers Bangalore took the field with full intensity; Virat Kohli handed his cap to the umpire and geared up to bowl. Even the umpire was taken aback: Was Kohli really going to bowl the first over? Just then, Jacob Duffy took the ball from him, and Kohli, laughing, walked over to the umpire to retrieve his cap. The umpire, too, burst into laughter.
IPL 2026 RCB vs GT Qualifier Match
Defending a total score of 254 runs, Royal Challengers Bangalore bowled out Gujarat Titans for just 162 runs. GT managed to reach the 162-run mark solely thanks to Rahul Tewatia's innings; otherwise, half of the Gujarat team had already returned to the pavilion during the Powerplay, when the score stood at a mere 51 runs. Shubman Gill scored 2 runs.
RCB's Rajat Patidar was named 'Player of the Match' for his unbeaten innings of 93 runs off 33 balls, which included 9 sixes and 5 fours. Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya also played crucial innings, with both scoring 43 runs each. Bangalore has now advanced directly to the final, while Gujarat Titans will get another opportunity to reach the title clash. GT will have to play Qualifier 2 against the winner of the Eliminator match scheduled for today.
Also Read: RCB Create History, Reach IPL 2026 Final for Second Consecutive Year
