Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a near-perfect performance in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, crushing Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala to secure a place in the final. RCB dominated the contest from start to finish with a sensational batting display followed by a disciplined bowling effort that left Gujarat with no way back into the game.
While Rajat Patidar’s explosive knock and RCB’s record-breaking total grabbed attention during the match, the biggest moment of the night came after the final wicket fell. Virat Kohli and former RCB superstar AB de Villiers shared a heartfelt embrace on the field, creating an emotional scene that instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the season among cricket fans.
Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers’ emotional hug goes viral
Moments after the final wicket fell in Dharamshala, cameras captured Virat walking straight towards de Villiers near the boundary ropes before the two Royal Challengers Bengaluru legends shared an emotional hug. The heartwarming moment instantly exploded across social media, with fans celebrating the friendship that has become one of the defining stories of IPL history.
De Villiers, who spent over a decade with RCB, was present in Dharamshala supporting his former franchise from the stands and commentary box. Fans quickly labelled the South African star as RCB’s “lucky charm,” especially after his presence coincided with another massive playoff victory for the franchise.
Here’s the video:
A special meet-up we always love to see 🫂❤️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/9rs6u5obOw#TATAIPL | #Qualifier1 | #TheFinalLeap | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets | @ABdeVilliers17 | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/t7HPajkh79
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 26, 2026
RCB bowlers complete the domination
Chasing a daunting 255-run target, Gujarat Titans never truly recovered after losing early wickets. Shubman Gill managed just two runs, while Sai Sudharsan’s dismissal further dented the chase. Although Jos Buttler briefly counterattacked with a quickfire 29, RCB’s bowling attack maintained complete control throughout the innings.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar once again led the attack brilliantly, while Jacob Duffy and Rasikh Salam produced crucial breakthroughs. RCB eventually bowled GT out for 162 to register one of the most dominant victories in IPL playoff history.
AB de Villiers backs RCB for another title
Speaking after the game, de Villiers admitted that emotions would truly hit him if RCB managed to lift the trophy once again on May 31 in Ahmedabad. The South African legend, who experienced several heartbreaking near-misses with the franchise during his career, now hopes to witness this generation create another historic chapter.
With momentum, confidence, and emotion all on their side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru now stand just one victory away from becoming only the third team in IPL history to successfully defend their title after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI).