Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a near-perfect efficiency in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, crushing Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs on the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala to safe a spot within the closing. RCB dominated the competition from begin to end with a sensational batting show adopted by a disciplined bowling effort that left Gujarat with no means again into the sport.
Whereas Rajat Patidar’s explosive knock and RCB’s record-breaking complete grabbed consideration through the match, the most important second of the night time got here after the ultimate wicket fell. Virat Kohli and former RCB famous person AB de Villiers shared a heartfelt embrace on the sector, creating an emotional scene that immediately grew to become some of the talked-about moments of the season amongst cricket followers.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers’ emotional hug goes viral
Moments after the ultimate wicket fell in Dharamshala, cameras captured Virat strolling straight in the direction of de Villiers close to the boundary ropes earlier than the 2 Royal Challengers Bengaluru legends shared an emotional hug. The heartwarming second immediately exploded throughout social media, with followers celebrating the friendship that has change into one of many defining tales of IPL historical past.
De Villiers, who spent over a decade with RCB, was current in Dharamshala supporting his former franchise from the stands and commentary field. Followers rapidly labelled the South African star as RCB’s “fortunate appeal,” particularly after his presence coincided with one other large playoff victory for the franchise.
Right here’s the video:
A particular meet-up we at all times like to see 🫂❤️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9rs6u5obOw#TATAIPL | #Qualifier1 | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets | @ABdeVilliers17 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/t7HPajkh79
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2026
Additionally READ: Fans go gaga as Rajat Patidar’s blazing show helps RCB seal IPL 2026 Final berth with a dominant win over GT in Qualifier 1
RCB bowlers full the domination
Chasing a frightening 255-run goal, Gujarat Titans by no means actually recovered after dropping early wickets. Shubman Gill managed simply two runs, whereas Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal additional dented the chase. Though Jos Buttler briefly counterattacked with a quickfire 29, RCB’s bowling assault maintained full management all through the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar as soon as once more led the assault brilliantly, whereas Jacob Duffy and Rasikh Salam produced essential breakthroughs. RCB finally bowled GT out for 162 to register some of the dominant victories in IPL playoff historical past.
AB de Villiers backs RCB for an additional title
Talking after the sport, de Villiers admitted that feelings would actually hit him if RCB managed to carry the trophy as soon as once more on Might 31 in Ahmedabad. The South African legend, who skilled a number of heartbreaking near-misses with the franchise throughout his profession, now hopes to witness this technology create one other historic chapter.
With momentum, confidence, and emotion all on their facet, Royal Challengers Bengaluru now stand only one victory away from turning into solely the third staff in IPL historical past to efficiently defend their title after Chennai Tremendous Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI).
Additionally [WATCH]: Shubman Gill takes a stunning running catch to dismiss dangerous Venkatesh Iyer in RCB vs GT Qualifier 1
