Dream wicket for me: Sakib Hussain relishes Virat Kohli's dismissal

IPL 2026: Sakib Hussain dismisses Virat Kohli in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 55-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The wicket fulfilled the SRH fast bowler’s personal dream even as the franchise failed to secure a top two finish.

sakib Hussain gets the better of Virat Kohli (Photo: Broadcaster Screenshot)

Sunrisers Hyderabad youngster Sakib Hussain had a dream moment at the Uppal Stadium on Friday after dismissing Virat Kohli during a high-pressure IPL clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The 21-year-old Bihar-born bowler described Kohli’s wicket as his biggest moment after helping Hyderabad secure a dominant 55-run victory.

SRH vs RCB, IPL 2026: SCORECARD | MAIN DATA

The fast bowler continued his impressive debut IPL campaign by picking up another wicket for Hyderabad, he made it 15 wickets in 10 matches, a wicket in every game this season, and further established himself as one of the tournament’s promising young discoveries.

“The plan was to play by the wicket,” said Sakib Hussain after the match. “Virat Kohli’s wicket was a dream wicket for me.

Batting on 15 off 10 balls, Kohli struggled to find his rhythm despite the batting-friendly conditions at the Uppal stadium. On the 11th delivery he faced, Sakib bowled a slower full ball outside off stump. Kohli attempted an attacking drive but ended up hitting it straight to cover field to end a scrappy innings during RCB’s steep chase.

Unlike the animated celebrations that often occur after being kicked out of college, Sakib kept his reaction composed. The young pacer simply kissed his hands, smiled and looked up at the sky in a moment that seemed more emotional than aggressive. However, the dismissal drew loud celebrations from the rest of the Hyderabad fielders, especially after Kohli was involved in several heated exchanges with SRH opener Travis Head earlier in the game.

RCB FINISH TOP DESPITE HARD DEFEAT

Despite the crushing defeat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to finish in the top two of the league table, giving them a crucial advantage going into the playoffs. The qualifier scenario means that RCB will now play Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans on May 26.

The finish of the top two also provides RCB with another safety net. Even if they lose Qualifier 1, they will still get another opportunity to reach the IPL Finals through Qualifier 2, which will greatly improve their chances of defending the title.

Meanwhile, for Sunrisers Hyderabad, the win was a strong statement led by their explosive batting unit that amassed a massive 256 runs in 20 overs. Although Hyderabad can no longer finish in the top 2, the emphatic win allowed them to finish their league campaign high ahead of the play-offs.

– The end

Published on:

23 May 2026 0:22 IST

‘, e.appendChild