Virat Kohli's aggressive celebrations steal the show after Gill, Sudharsan fall early in IPL final

Virat Kohli’s aggressive celebration after Shubman Gill’s wicket. (Photo credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s intensity was on full display in the IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru seized early control over Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.While Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck the decisive blows with the ball, it was Kohli’s animated celebrations after dismissing Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan that quickly became the talk of the fans.The former RCB skipper looked pumped from the start as RCB hunted for early breakthroughs after skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to field.Kohli explodes after Gill’s big wicketThe first breakthrough came in the third game when Hazlewood removed skipper GT Gill for 10 off eight balls.The Australian pacer hit a short delivery that climbed awkwardly to Gill. The GT skipper tried his trademark short-arm pull and only managed a mistimed shot to mid-off where Patidar completed a comfortable catch.Once the catch was taken, Kohli erupted in celebration. The star batsman was seen aggressively pumping his fists and roaring with joy as RCB celebrated a massive early wicket.Gill’s elimination was a significant moment in the competition given his excellent record in Ahmedabad and his role in leading GT to the final.Sudharsan follows, Kohli celebrates againA little later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck another crucial blow.Sai Sudharsan, one of Gujarat’s most consistent batsmen this season, misfired off a surprise bouncer and bowled the ball towards short fine leg. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma sprinted across and completed an excellent run-through catch.Kohli’s reaction was immediate.The former India captain rushed to Bhuvneshwar, hugged the veteran before lifting him in celebration as RCB sensed an opportunity to put GT under immense pressure.The double strikes left the Titans reeling in the powerplay and gave Bengaluru exactly the start they were hoping for in the high-stakes final.RCB entered the competition unchanged from their Qualifier 1 victory over Gujarat earlier in the week, while the Narendra Modi Stadium was awash in Kohli’s iconic No.18 jerseys despite being Gujarat’s home ground.As the RCB bowlers delivered in the opening overs, Kohli’s signature passion and energy provided the perfect visual for a team determined to retain the IPL crown.Watch Kohli’s celebrations here: