Virat Kohli returned to the crease for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, taking place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday. The star batsman, known for his explosive starts and unwavering consistency, has been a key figure for RCB this season, and fans were eager to see his performance against a formidable GT bowling attack.

Kohli kicked off the season with a bang, smashing an unbeaten 69 runs in the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), leading RCB to a convincing victory. While he made promising starts against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) in subsequent matches, he was unable to convert those into big totals, leaving fans hoping for a more substantial knock. In their previous encounter with GT, Kohli delivered a stellar performance, scoring 81 runs off just 44 balls as RCB successfully chased down a challenging target of 206 runs. More recently, he remained unbeaten on 23 off 15 balls in a quick chase of 76 runs against another opponent, showcasing his ability to anchor innings under pressure.

Against GT on Thursday, Kohli was expected to open the innings, setting the tone for RCB’s batting lineup. His form and experience make him a crucial asset for the team, especially in high-stakes matches at a venue known for its lively pitch and passionate crowd. As the IPL 2026 season progresses, all eyes remain on Kohli to deliver match-winning performances that keep RCB in contention for the playoffs.