The IPL 2026 clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off with pure fireworks on Thursday (April 30). Kagiso Rabada, bowling for the Titans, came face to face with Virat Kohli early in his spell. What followed was something straight out of the lead role. Kohli smashed five boundaries in a row off the South African speedster.
Virat Kohli smashes five fours in the over
It all started with a short ball that Virat Kohli pulled powerfully over mid-wicket. The next delivery was fielded cleanly over wide mid on. Kohli kept up the pace and carved the third ball late to the deep fence. He then adjusted beautifully to send fourth to the left of the angled third fielder. The fifth four flew off the pitched ball, elegantly punched through the covers. Fans at the stadium and across the country were on their feet as King Kohli looked unstoppable.
Kagiso Rabada provides the perfect answer
Kagiso Rabada was not deterred by the penalty. Coming back on his next crossing, the pacer stuck to a smart plan. On the second ball of the fourth over, he bowled a sharp short delivery around middle and leg. Kohli stepped up to attack again but this time the faster pace and bounce sped him up. He lost his shape while trying to move across the line and the top edge flew straight into the hands of Rashid Khan at mid-wicket.
Rabada celebrated the moment the catch was taken. He stared at the departing batsman, clearly enjoying the sweet return. Virat Kohli was dismissed after scoring 28 off 13 balls.
Why this battle stole the show in IPL 2026
Rabada versus Kohli once again reminded everyone why these two are among the biggest stars of T20 cricket. Kohli’s fearless start showed his desire to take on the opposition from the first ball. On the other hand, Rabada’s rebounding ability was accentuated by his temperament and world-class skills.
It was a tough time for RCB fans as their talisman returned after a sensational start. It was the perfect boost for Gujarat Titans fans in what looked like a high-scoring thriller.
GT vs RCB Playing XI
Gujarat Titans Playing XI: Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Jason Holder, Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav Suthar.
Subs GT Impact: Cast: Rahul Tewatia, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Kulwant Khejroliya
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Playing XI: Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood
Subs RCB Impact: Cast: Rasikh Salam Dar, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Venkatesh Iyer
