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Watch- Virat Kohli Taunts Ahmedabad Crowd After IPL-Winning Six Vs Gujarat Titan

Ronav Bailey · · 3 min read

A Legendary Performance at the Narendra Modi Stadium

In a display of dominance and sheer class, Virat Kohli led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a resounding victory in the IPL 2026 final. Facing the Gujarat Titans at the daunting Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Kohli showcased why he remains the heartbeat of modern cricket. The veteran opener dismantled the opposition bowling attack, scoring an unbeaten 75 runs from just 42 balls, punctuated by nine boundaries and three massive sixes.

The Winning Moment and Symbolic Gesture

The match reached its crescendo at the end of the 18th over. With the target in sight, Kohli launched a spectacular no-look six off Arshad Khan, effectively securing the championship for his franchise. The atmosphere in Ahmedabad was electric, and as the ball sailed over the ropes, the crowd was silenced by the perfection of the strike. It was in this pivotal second that spectators were able to Watch- Virat Kohli Taunts Ahmedabad Crowd After IPL-Winning Six Vs Gujarat Titan, a moment defined by his passionate celebration and his beckoning of the entire RCB dugout to join him on the pitch. This gesture underscored the unity of the team as they rushed to celebrate with their hero.

RCB Joins the Elite Club

With this five-wicket victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru cemented their legacy by becoming only the third team in the history of the Indian Premier League to secure back-to-back titles, joining the ranks of the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. The victory was a collective effort, starting with a disciplined bowling display that kept the Gujarat Titans to 155-8. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided early breakthroughs, removing key figures like Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, while Rasikh Salam’s spell of 3-27 proved instrumental in controlling the game.

Dominating the Season

Kohli’s performance in the final was the cherry on top of a record-breaking campaign. Finishing the 2026 season with 675 runs across 16 innings, he maintained a staggering average of 56.25 and a career-best strike rate of 165.84. Furthermore, he achieved the monumental milestone of 9,000 career IPL runs, further distancing himself at the top of the all-time run-scorers list. His consistency, demonstrated by six scores of 50 or more throughout the tournament, served as the backbone of RCB’s successful title defense.

Strategic Mastery in the Final

While the headlines rightly focused on the batting masterclass, the tactical approach employed by RCB throughout the match was equally impressive. By winning the toss and electing to field, the team exerted pressure from the first ball. Despite a resilient 50 from Washington Sundar for the Titans, the RCB bowlers remained composed. When it was their turn to bat, the team navigated a tricky start, losing early wickets, but the presence of Kohli ensured stability. Partnering with Jitesh Sharma, he steered the chase with clinical precision, ensuring there would be no late-game nerves for the Bengaluru faithful.

Reflecting on a Historic Campaign

The 2026 season will be remembered as the era where RCB solidified their status as a powerhouse. From the high-octane clashes to the dramatic moments in the final, the journey was nothing short of cinematic. Virat Kohli, serving as the fulcrum of the team, proved once again that under pressure, he is truly unparalleled. As the team lifted the trophy, it marked not just another title, but the culmination of rigorous planning, grit, and the extraordinary individual brilliance of one of the sport’s greatest ambassadors.

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.