IPL 2026: Kohli takes Rabada apart for five consecutive boundaries in 21-run over, pacer has last laugh

Published - 30 Apr 2026, 20:34 IST | Updated - 30 Apr 2026, 20:34 IST

In a thrilling face-off between two modern-day greats, Virat Kohli stamped his authority over Kagiso Rabada in emphatic fashion during Match 42 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 between Gujarat Titans (GT) and the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

The veteran Indian batter unleashed a stunning counterattack, hammering Rabada for 21 runs in a single over with five consecutive boundaries.

Opening the batting for his side, Kohli wasted no time settling in. The over began with a short delivery that the former RCB skipper pulled confidently over mid-wicket for a boundary. What followed was pure class and control, as Kohli shifted gears seamlessly, dispatching a back-of-length delivery over wide mid-off before carving another through point.

Rabada, known for his pace and wicket-taking prowess, found no answers as Kohli continued his onslaught. The Indian maestro displayed his trademark timing and placement, slicing one past square third man and then producing a sublime cover drive to register his fifth boundary on the trot. Each shot reflected Kohli’s dominance, turning the duel into a one-sided affair.

The final ball of the over saw a slight breather for Rabada as he managed to get a deflection off his boot, conceding just a single. However, the damage had already been done, with Kohli collecting a massive 21 runs off the over. It was a moment of pure class by the modern Indian great.

Pace meets 𝙋𝙀𝙍𝙁𝙀𝘾𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 🤌🎥 Virat Kohli with 5️⃣ consecutive boundaries against Kagiso Rabada 🔥Updates ▶️ https://t.co/I5Hg8ybefh#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #GTvRCB | @RCBTweets

In the end, the South African pacer Rabada had the last laugh in this contest, as he was successful in dismissing the RCB batter in his very next over. Kohli tried to attack the pacer once again, but this time he failed to connect the shot well, and was caught at the mid-wicket by Rashid Khan. The right-hander scored 28 runs in just 13 balls.

Rabada was completely burned out after conceding five consecutive fours to Kohli. After getting Kohli out, his aggression was intense. He hugged Gill so tightly and suddenly that Gill must have been startled 😂🔥