The IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans in Bengaluru turned into a thrilling contest. A dropped catch and a strong batting performance decided the game, with Virat Kohli leading the chase.
Kohli gets early life on 0
During the chase, Kohli got a big lifeline when he was on 0. Washington Sundar dropped a simple catch off Mohammed Siraj.
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar said this moment changed the match. According to him, dropping Kohli at zero proved very costly for Gujarat Titans.
Match turning point and chase
Gujarat Titans posted a strong total of 206 runs. In reply, RCB chased the target successfully.
Here is a quick match summary:
| Team | Score | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans | 206 | Competitive total |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 206/5 | Kohli 81 (44), Padikkal 55 (27) |
Kohli scored 81 runs from 44 balls and controlled the chase. Devdutt Padikkal supported him well with a fast 55 runs off 27 balls.
RCB completed the chase with 5 wickets in hand and 7 balls remaining.
Gavaskar explains why Kohli is called ‘chasemaster’
Sunil Gavaskar praised Kohli’s ability to chase big targets. He said Kohli is not just known as a king but also as one of the best players when it comes to chasing.
He explained that scoring big runs in pressure situations has always been Kohli’s strength, and he makes difficult chases look easy.
Also See : Mitchell Starc Ruled Out of DC vs PBKS Match IPL 2026: Comeback Delayed
Padikkal’s improvement adds strength
Gavaskar also spoke about Devdutt Padikkal’s improvement as a batsman.
He noted that Padikkal is now scoring runs in more areas of the ground. Earlier, he had some limitations on the on-side, but now he is playing shots all around.
This improvement is helping RCB build a stronger batting lineup, especially with players like Padikkal and Rajat Patidar in the middle order.
GT captain Shubman Gill reacts
Shubman Gill admitted after the match that the dropped catch made things difficult for his team.
He said:
- Dropped chances can change the game
- Bowlers were not consistent with their line and length
- The pitch made bowling slightly difficult
Once Kohli and Padikkal settled, it became hard for GT to stop the runs.
What this match shows
This match clearly showed:
- Kohli’s strength in chasing big totals
- Importance of taking catches in crucial moments
- RCB’s improving batting lineup
The partnership between Kohli and Padikkal played a key role in this win.
Final update
Virat Kohli once again proved why he is one of the best chasers in cricket. His innings helped RCB secure an important win.
As IPL 2026 moves forward, RCB will look to continue this form, while GT will aim to improve their fielding and bowling performance in upcoming matches.
