Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a ruthless all-round display to crush Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026 at Dharamsala on Tuesday, sealing a second consecutive
appearance in the tournament final.
Beyond the dominant win, it was an emotional moment involving Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers that was the highlight of the night.
Watch:
A special meet-up we always love to see 🫂❤️
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Kohli And ABD
Soon after the final wicket fell, Kohli was seen embracing de Villiers in a heartfelt hug near the boundary ropes. The touching moment between two of RCB’s greatest icons instantly went viral on social media.
Kohli and de Villiers shared one of the most destructive partnerships in IPL history during their years together at Bengaluru. Their legendary 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions in 2016 and the unforgettable 215-run partnership against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede in 2015 remain among the greatest batting displays the tournament has witnessed.
RCB Book Spot In IPL Final
On the field, RCB completely dominated the contest. Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a sensational unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls, smashing five fours and nine sixes. His explosive innings powered Bengaluru to 254/5 — the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match.
Kohli contributed a fluent 43 off 25 deliveries, while Devdutt Padikkal and Krunal Pandya also played aggressive cameos to maintain the pressure on Gujarat throughout the innings.
In reply, Gujarat Titans crumbled under the scoreboard pressure. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam Dar and Krunal Pandya dismantled the batting line-up as GT were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs, despite Rahul Tewatia’s fighting 68.
RCB’s emphatic victory now leaves them just one win away from becoming only the third franchise in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to successfully defend the IPL title.
(With inputs from Agencies)
