The high-voltage IPL 2026 conflict between Gujarat Titans and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on the Narendra Modi Stadium lived as much as its billing as followers witnessed a surprising throwback knock from Virat Kohli. Regardless of RCB shedding early wickets after being put in to bat by Shubman Gill, Kohli briefly turned again the clock with a wide ranging counterattack that electrified the packed stadium.
Gill’s determination to bowl first paid fast dividends as Gujarat Titans’ bowlers struck early, leaving RCB beneath stress within the powerplay. Nonetheless, simply when it appeared just like the innings would possibly collapse, Kohli stepped up with authority, displaying the aggression and precision that after made him essentially the most feared batter in world cricket.
Virat Kohli takes Kagiso Rabada to the cleaners with 5 back-to-back fours
Going through South African tempo spearhead Kagiso Rabada within the second over, Kohli delivered a masterclass in strokeplay, hammering 5 consecutive boundaries in what shortly turned one of many standout moments of IPL 2026.
The primary supply, barely quick, was dispatched with a robust pull over mid-wicket. The following ball noticed Kohli loft a back-of-a-length supply elegantly over mid-off. With confidence surging, he carved the third ball late previous level, finishing a hat-trick of boundaries.
Rabada, recognized for his self-discipline, tried to regulate his line, however Kohli was in full management. The fourth ball was sliced expertly in direction of sq. third man, whereas the fifth supply — pitched up exterior off — was pushed by way of covers with trademark finesse. In a matter of deliveries, Kohli had utterly shifted the momentum, reminding followers of his peak years. The group erupted with each shot, as chants echoed throughout the stadium, celebrating a uncommon glimpse of Kohli’s classic dominance.
Right here’s the video:
Tempo meets 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🤌
🎥 Virat Kohli with 5️⃣ consecutive boundaries in opposition to Kagiso Rabada 🔥
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Rabada strikes again with fiery response
Cricket, nevertheless, is a sport of superb margins and swift turnarounds. After being taken aside in his opening over, Rabada showcased his class and resilience by bouncing again strongly.
Within the fourth over of the innings, the Proteas fast delivered a pointy, hostile bouncer that caught Kohli off guard. Making an attempt to tackle the quick ball, Kohli superior down the pitch however failed to manage the shot. The ball took a prime edge and flew in direction of mid-wicket, the place Rashid Khan accomplished a secure catch.
Rabada’s animated celebration mirrored each aid and dedication, as he had the ultimate say in a gripping mini-battle. The dismissal not solely halted Kohli’s momentum but in addition gave Gujarat Titans an important breakthrough at a key stage of the innings.
Though Kohli’s keep on the crease was transient, his explosive strokeplay supplied followers with some of the memorable passages of the season. The 5 consecutive boundaries in opposition to a bowler of Rabada’s caliber highlighted his enduring high quality and skill to dominate even beneath stress.
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