AB de Villiers feels that without Virat Kohli in their batting order, Royal Challengers Bengaluru would have found it difficult in the IPL 2026 final. Kohli was in vintage form as RCB defeated Gujarat Titans to successfully defend their IPL title and also win their second trophy. During the run chase, RCB batters came and left, but Kohli was resolute and paced his approach with his unbeaten 42-ball 75.
RCB's Virat Kohli with GT skipper Shubman Gill after hitting the winning runs. (ANI Pic Service)
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Chasing 156 runs, RCB got off to a strong start via opener Venkatesh Iyer, who raced to a 16-ball 32 before losing his wicket in the fifth over. Introduced as an Impact Player, he hit four fours and two maximums, and also struck at 200.00. After Iyer's departure, RCB suddenly went through a shaky phase as batters came and went. Devdutt Padikkal (1), Rajat Patidar (15) and Krunal Pandya (1) failed to have an impact with the bat, and it was only after Tim David's arrival that the pressure reduced on Kohli.
Then, Kohli also got to his fastest-ever IPL fifty, off only 25 balls. David's 24 off 17 balls was key, and he was dismissed in the 14th over, bowled by Arshad Khan. But it didn't make a difference as Kohli's unbeaten 42-ball 75* took RCB To 161/5 in 18 overs. The RCB veteran also smacked nine fours and three sixes, striking at 178.57.
AB de Villiers hails Virat Kohli
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Then, Kohli also got to his fastest-ever IPL fifty, off only 25 balls. David's 24 off 17 balls was key, and he was dismissed in the 14th over, bowled by Arshad Khan. But it didn't make a difference as Kohli's unbeaten 42-ball 75* took RCB To 161/5 in 18 overs. The RCB veteran also smacked nine fours and three sixes, striking at 178.57.
AB de Villiers hails Virat Kohli
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Speaking on JioHotstar, De Villiers, who is a former RCB teammate of Kohli, said, "In a final, if you take him out of that chasing batting order, then everything looks a bit different."
"With Rashid Khan firing from one end, and some of the other GT bowlers also doing really well, he just brings that calmness. He knows how to pace a chase right through the innings and finish it off. And it's very fitting that he was there right at the end, scoring the winning runs.
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"GT were a bit naughty in feeding him into his strengths. A lot of deliveries were on the legs in his first 20-30 runs. If you give one of the best players of all time a start like that, he's always going to punish you. Once he started flowing, it was just plain sailing, one-way traffic. To be there at the end and call those final moments was absolutely phenomenal," he added.
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.
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Home/Cricket/Virat Kohli made GT pay for huge blunder in IPL final: 'If you let him start like that, he's always going to punish you'
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