Virat Kohli brought the fire, but Royal Challengers Bangalore needed more than just his intensity as Gujarat Titans held on to hold on in Ahmedabad on Thursday, April 30.

Defending a modest target of 156 runs, RCB needed early wickets to keep themselves alive in the contest and they got this through Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The experienced fast bowler struck twice in the powerplay to dismiss both Gujarat openers, giving the visitors a much-needed start to chase the target which seemed to be in GT’s control.

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The biggest success came on the last ball of the fifth over when Shubman Gill looked to drive through cover. Kohli, deployed in the ring, reacted sharply and took the catch cleanly to complete a crucial catch. What followed was vintage Kohli – a fierce stare in Gill’s direction, a roar of celebration and the kind of passionate reaction that boosted RCB’s energy on the field for a while.

RCB felt an opening with both Gill and Sai Sudarshan returning to the pavilion. Gujarat’s top order has often set the tone for their chase, and Kohli’s animated celebration reflected the significance of the moment as much as the dismissal itself. For a side defending below par, confidence in the contest was suddenly back.

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However, this belief was undermined by a chaotic batting effort early in the evening. After a fast start led by Kohli, RCB were all out for 155 in 19.2 overs.

The former RCB skipper came out swinging and attacked Kagiso Rabada in a thrilling opening encounter, scoring 28 runs in just 13 balls and 21 runs in one over from Rabada, which included five fours in a row. For a short while, RCB were flying at a pace of over 10 per over and looked to be headed for a great total.

But Gill’s decision to remain with Rabada proved to be decisive. The South African counterattacked to dismiss Kohli and exposed RCB’s fragile middle order. After seven overs their score was 71 runs for 2 wickets, but in just 10.3 minutes their score became 96 runs for 6 wickets.

Devdutt Padikkal scored 40 and briefly threatened to rebuild, but the Gujarat attack never loosened its grip. Arshad Khan took 3 wickets for 22 runs, Rashid Khan took 2 wickets for 19 runs and Jason Holder gave a brilliant all-round performance by taking 2 wickets for 29 runs and three catches.

Kohli gave spark to RCB in both the innings. Gujarat’s hand is still strong.

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