GT vs RCB IPL 2026: Virat Kohli-Kagiso Rabada Contest Sends Social Media Into A Frenzy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru raced to 34/1 at the end of three overs against the Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Virat Kohli led the charge by smashing five boundaries in a single over. In the process, Kohli became the second RCB batsman to hit five or more fours in an over, besides Chris Gayle and Shane Watson.

The game got underway with Shubman Gill, captain of the Gujarat Titans, winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, were eyeing a win to climb to the top of the table, while the Titans were chasing crucial points to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Virat Kohli set the tone early with an attacking approach, taking on Kagiso Rabada with a mix of pulls, drives, and cuts to plunder

20 runs off his first over, giving Royal Challengers Bengaluru a flying start alongside Jacob Bethell.

The momentum, however, saw a brief interruption when Mohammed Siraj struck for the Gujarat Titans. After conceding a six, Siraj bounced back by dismissing Bethell, who was caught by Rashid Khan inside the circle while attempting a mid-wicket flick. Devdutt Padikkal then walked in to join Kohli at the crease.

On the selection front, RCB handed a start to Bethell due to fitness concerns surrounding Phil Salt. Meanwhile, the Titans continued without Prasidh Krishna, relying instead on a bowling unit led by Rabada and Rashid.

Heading into the contest, the spotlight was also on the two captains, with Kohli coming in with 351 runs for the season, while Shubman Gill followed closely with 330, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their on-field battle.

GT vs RCB: Rabada Had The Last Laugh

Kagiso Rabada dramatically turned the tide after being taken apart earlier, dismissing Virat Kohli in the fourth over of the powerplay during the IPL 2026 clash.

After conceding heavily in his opening spell, Rabada responded with a sharp short delivery that Kohli mistimed while attempting a pull shot. The ball went straight to Rashid Khan at mid-wicket, handing the Gujarat Titans a crucial breakthrough.

The wicket proved significant as Royal Challengers Bengaluru slipped to 35/2 in the fourth over despite a blazing start. Kohli's dismissal shifted momentum firmly in GT's favour at a key stage of the innings.

With this scalp, Rabada further strengthened his dominance over Kohli, having now dismissed him five times in IPL history. The South African pacer also continues to lead the charts for most wickets in the powerplay this season, underlining his impact with the new ball.

Netizens React To Kohli-Rabada Contest

Social media erupted with a flurry of reaction amid the Kohli-Rabada contest:

Rabada aint gonna forget this class from kohli anytime soonpic.twitter.com/DezTGJGeEP

- Mr Phil Salt (@MrSalty61) April 30, 2026

👑 King's Supremacy.!! 🤯

- 4️⃣,4️⃣,4️⃣,4️⃣,4️⃣ against KG Rabada..!! 🔥🐐#ViratKohli #IPL2026 #RCBvsGT #Panamá #lamansiónvip pic.twitter.com/iZ82TNIbU5

- 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 🜲 (@Iamlakshya_18) April 30, 2026

Ahmedabad not Virat Kohli’s ground? 😬
And Kagiso Rabada already has him 5 times…
Some rivalries aren’t stats—they’re straight-up nightmares 🥶🔥#IPL2026 #GTvRCB #KingKohli #Rabada pic.twitter.com/POuaSL0meM

- Ashu Patel (@Al0neBoy8) April 30, 2026

Score: Settled! ⚖️

🎥 Kagiso Rabada has the last laugh against Virat Kohli 👊

Updates ▶️ https://t.co/I5Hg8ybefh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvRCB | @gujarat_titans pic.twitter.com/Hx5ariop2h

- IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 30, 2026