Virat Kohli’s aggressive knock came to an end in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans after Jason Holder dismissed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru star with a sharp short ball strategy in Dharamsala on Monday, May 26.
Kohli, who looked in sublime touch early in the innings, was dismissed for 43 runs off 25 balls, smashing five fours and one six at a strike rate of 172.00 before Holder trapped him with a back of a length delivery around off stump.
Attempting a pull shot against the short delivery, Kohli got an inside edge that crashed onto the stumps, handing Gujarat Titans a massive breakthrough during the middle overs.
The dismissal quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the playoff clash, especially after cameras captured Anushka Sharma’s emotional reaction moments after Kohli lost his wicket. The visuals instantly went viral across social media platforms.
Commentators and fans also pointed out that Kohli appeared slightly uncomfortable against the short ball approach during his innings, with Gujarat Titans repeatedly testing him with hard length deliveries.
Jason Holder then struck again in the same over by dismissing Devdutt Padikkal for 30 off 19 balls, leaving RCB under pressure after a flying start.
Live score: RCB 119/3 after 11.5 overs against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Rajat Patidar and Krunal Pandya are currently at the crease.