Royal Challengers Bengaluru booked their place within the IPL 2026 final in emphatic fashion, crushing Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in a one-sided playoff encounter at Dharamshala on Tuesday. The dominant performance secured RCB a second straight appearance within the title clash and was followed by an emotional moment that captured the eye of fans across the cricketing world.
As celebrations began after the ultimate wicket, Virat Kohli shared a warm embrace with former RCB superstar AB de Villiers. The touching reunion between two of the franchise’s most beloved figures quickly became considered one of the standout images of the night, drawing widespread attention on social media.
Many supporters hailed de Villiers as RCB’s “good luck charm,” pointing to his continued presence during a few of the team’s biggest milestones. The previous South African captain had also been in attendance when RCB lifted their first-ever IPL trophy last season, adding further fuel to the fans’ belief in his special reference to the franchise.
Kohli and de Villiers, whose partnership terrorized bowling attacks for years, once more showcased the friendship and mutual respect which have endured beyond their playing days. Together, they shared countless memorable moments, setting records and shaping a golden chapter in RCB’s history.
You’ll be able to watch the video here:
VIRAT KOHLI MEETING AND HUGGING AB DE VILLIERS. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/QshtqlRRZ2
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 26, 2026
Their partnership produced a few of the most memorable moments in IPL history, including a record-breaking 229-run stand against Gujarat Lions in 2016 and a wide ranging 215-run partnership against Mumbai Indians on the Wankhede Stadium in 2015.
Performances resembling these secured their status as considered one of the league’s biggest batting duos, making their emotional embrace after RCB’s 2026 playoff triumph feel like one other cherished chapter in a story that fans proceed to draw close to their hearts.
Will RCB Create History With Consecutive IPL Titles?
RCB produced a commanding all-round display to outclass Gujarat Titans within the playoff clash. Skipper Rajat Patidar once more set the tone with a sensational 93 off just 33 deliveries, guiding Bengaluru to an enormous 254/20, the best team total ever posted in an IPL playoff encounter. Gujarat’s bowlers struggled to contain the relentless assault as RCB piled on the runs throughout the innings.
The dominance continued with the ball, where RCB’s attack, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left Gujarat with little room to recuperate. The bowlers maintained tight control and executed their plans brilliantly under the Dharamsala lights, dismantling the opposition and sealing a convincing victory. Their disciplined effort capped off a memorable evening for the Bengaluru faithful on the HPCA Stadium.
The win moves RCB inside touching distance of one other historic achievement. Another victory would make them only the third team in IPL history, after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, to retain the championship successfully. With confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, Bengaluru now head into the ultimate looking to finish a remarkable title defence.
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