The duel between Virat Kohli and Kagiso Rabada was unforgettable when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans clashed in IPL 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 30.
Kohli had the upper hand initially and took Rabada to the cleaners before the South African pacer came back emphatically to have the last word. Kohli finished with 28 runs off 13 balls, including five fours and a six, and looked well set for a quickfire fifty. Interestingly, all of Kohli’s five fours came the same way.
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In Rabada’s first over, Kohli produced a breathtaking attack and smashed five consecutive boundaries. It started with a sharp drive through mid-wicket, followed by an elevated drive through wide mid-wicket. He then sliced one over deep deep point, carved another around square third man and ended the sequence with smooth cover.
Just when it looked like Kohli was going to continue the attack, Rabada stretched his length and conceded only a single off the last ball. However, Temper got off to a rough start, giving up 21 runs in the opener before rebounding later in the game.
RABAD’S PEACE BACK
Rabada got his revenge in style after being dismantled by Kohli earlier. He started his second over with a wide and then a piercing long delivery which Kohli clumsily defended.
Then Rabada fired a short, fast ball to middle and leg and rushed Kohli as he progressed down the pitch. Kohli lost his shape and timing, mishit the cross bat and the top edge went straight to Rashid Khan at mid-wicket. Rabada roared in celebration.
Kohli has been in sensational form in IPL 2026, currently the fourth highest run-scorer in the tournament. He amassed 379 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 54.14 and a strike rate of 165.50. His highest score this season is 81 which came against Gujarat Titans earlier this month in Bengaluru.
Rabada has also been in great form for the Titans in IPL 2026, becoming their leading wicket-taker. The South African speedster has taken three catches with three wickets this season, underscoring his impact at key times.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
30 Apr 2026 20:24 IST
