Virat Kohli fires up with animated send-off to Shubman Gill, but GT have the last laugh in Ahmedabad

Virat Kohli had been trying to get under Shubman Gill's skin, and it worked as the GT opener departed for 43 off 18 balls.

Updated on: May 1, 2026, 06:11:43 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Virat Kohli was pumped up as he reverse-cupped Shubman Gill's shot near his neck. It was a good catch, and the RCB threw the ball on the ground in celebration and mouthed a "come on". But Kohli's energy wasn't enough to lift the defending champions to a victory, as Gujarat Titans came out on top, winning by four wickets.

Virat Kohli celebrates after Shubman Gill's dismissal. (X)

Chasing 156 runs, Gill handed GT a strong start, racing off to 42 off 16 balls after four overs with his side at 55/1. In the final ball of the fifth over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck, removing the GT skipper. Receiving a length delivery, Gill went down the track and made room outside the leg-stump, hammering it straight to Kohli at cover. Kohli had been trying to get under Gill's skin, and it worked as the GT opener departed for 43 off 18 balls, packed with four fours and three sixes.

Also Read: Jason Holder opens up on controversial catch that dismissed Rajat Patidar and angered Virat Kohli after GT beat RCB

Watch: Virat Kohli's fiery send-off for Shubman Gill

Despite his departure, Gill's knock was enough to give GT the platform. Jos Buttler (39 off 19 balls) and Rahul Tewata (27* off 17 deliverise) played key knocks to build on the momentum as GT got to 158/6 in 15.5 overs.

Speaking after the win, Gill said, “Feels very satisfying, you know, on a wicket like this, restricting a team like them under 160 was a tremendous job by the bowlers.”

"I think our fielding was one of the things, it's something I think at phases, we haven't fielded that well in the game. And I think today was one of those days, everyone came together. The energy in the field was very, very nice, especially after the second over, Virat bhai hit us for some runs and how we all came back together. That was very crucial for us.

Praising Tewatia, he further added, “He's very important player for us. So very happy that he finished the game. That was one of the conversations that we had in the timeout. We lost, I think, couple more wickets that [than] we would have liked, but in the end I think he got some nice runs and everyone got some hit in the middle.”

Initially, Devdutt Padikkal's 24-ball 40 took RCB to 155 in 19.2 overs. Kohli was dismissed after a quickfire 13-ball 28. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar's (19 off 15 balls) dismissal was controversial as RCB felt that Jason Holder's catch was illegal.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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