NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli’s intensity was on full display in the IPL 2026 final as Royal Challengers Bengaluru seized early control against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.While Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered the crucial blows with the ball, it was Kohli’s animated celebrations following the dismissals of Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan that quickly became a talking point among fans.The former RCB captain looked pumped up from the beginning as RCB hunted early breakthroughs after skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and elected to field.Kohli erupts after Gill’s big wicketThe first breakthrough came in the third over when Hazlewood removed GT captain Gill for 10 off eight balls.The Australian pacer banged in a short-of-length delivery that climbed awkwardly on Gill. Attempting his trademark short-arm pull, the GT skipper only managed a sliced mistimed shot towards mid-off, where Patidar completed a comfortable catch.As soon as the catch was taken, Kohli exploded into celebration. The star batter was seen pumping his fists aggressively and roaring in delight as RCB celebrated the massive early wicket.Gill’s dismissal was a significant moment in the contest given his outstanding record in Ahmedabad and his role in guiding GT into the final.Sudharsan follows, Kohli celebrates againJust over an over later, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck another crucial blow.Sai Sudharsan, one of Gujarat’s most consistent batters this season, miscued a pull shot off a surprise bouncer and top-edged the ball towards short fine leg. Wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma sprinted across and completed an excellent running catch.Kohli’s reaction was immediate.The former India captain rushed towards Bhuvneshwar, embracing the veteran pacer before lifting him in celebration as RCB sensed an opportunity to put GT under immense pressure.The twin strikes left the Titans reeling inside the powerplay and handed Bengaluru exactly the start they had hoped for in a high-stakes final.RCB entered the contest unchanged after their Qualifier 1 victory over Gujarat earlier in the week, while the Narendra Modi Stadium was awash with Kohli’s iconic No. 18 jerseys despite being Gujarat’s home ground.As RCB’s bowlers delivered in the opening overs, Kohli’s trademark passion and energy provided the perfect visual of a team determined to retain its IPL crown.Watch Kohli celebrations here:
