New Delhi: Virat Kohli Illuminated the Narendra Modi Stadium with a brilliant burst of stroke play, hitting five consecutive fours Kagiso Rabada. A special milestone script in IPL 2026 on Thursday.Turning the clock back to his most devastating best, the Royal Challengers Bangalore talisman came out guns blazing, ending Rabada in just the second over of the innings and leaving fans and pundits in awe.
With this spectacular sequence, Kohli became only the third batsman in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s history to hit five or more boundaries in a single over – joining the distinguished list. Chris Gayle And Shane Watson.
Kohli joins Gayle and Watson in the special list
This rare feat has only been accomplished twice in franchise history before. Gayle first did it in 2013 against Ishwar Pandey in Bengaluru, while Watson equaled the record against Thisara Perera in 2016.Kohli’s effort in Ahmedabad now completes a remarkable trio, highlighting his enduring class and ability to dominate even the best bowlers in the world.The five boundaries showcased a full range of strokeplay — from authentic pulls to elegant drives and late cuts — highlighting why Kohli is one of the most feared batsmen.WATCH: Virat Kohli’s opening attackRCB bat with five (or more) fours in an over.
- 5 – Chris Gayle of Ishwar Pandey (PWI), Bengaluru, 2013
- 5 – Shane Watson Thisara Perera (RPS), Bengaluru, 2016
- 5 – Virat Kohli Kagiso Rabada (GT), Ahmedabad, 2026
Rabada counter-attacked after the initial attack.The carnage led to Rabada’s opening over of 21, which was soon followed by Kohli’s 28 off just 10 balls with a six off Mohammad Siraj – equaling the joint-fastest start to his T20 career in terms of runs from his first 10 balls.However, the competition had another twist.Rabada, unfazed by the early onslaught, came back strongly to have the last laugh in his next over. Bowling a quick, short ball, he mistimed the shot to Kohli (13 off 28) which resulted in a comfortable catch on the edge. Rashid Khan At mid-wicketThe dismissal marked the fifth time Rabada has removed Kohli in T20 cricket, marking an interesting rivalry between the two stars.Despite his short stay, Kohli’s explosive start set the tone for the innings and gave RCB the early momentum. His aggressive intent against a bowler of Rabada’s caliber was one of the defining moments of the match.
