Kohli's Record Blitz: Anushka's Ovation as RCB Cruises vs GT - IPL Live!

The stands were a blur of red and gold. Then Virat Kohli hit another boundary.

Royal Challengers Bangalore are in a commanding position against Gujarat Titans in their IPL 2026 clash, chasing down a target of 206 with Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal at the crease. Kohli, in particular, has been in imperious form, scripting multiple records during his innings, much to the delight of his wife, Anushka Sharma, who was seen giving him a standing ovation from the stands. The match is currently underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.

Kohli’s innings was reminiscent of some of his vintage performances from the mid-2010s, a period where he seemed almost untouchable. There were echoes of his masterful 113 against Kings XI Punjab in 2016, a game where he batted with a split webbing on his hand. He dispatched the GT bowlers to all parts of the ground. His textbook technique was on full display, a masterclass in timing and placement. Can anyone stop him?

But it's not just Kohli’s individual brilliance that has put RCB in the driver's seat. The partnership with Devdutt Padikkal has been equally crucial. Padikkal, known for his elegant strokeplay, has provided the perfect foil to Kohli’s aggression, keeping the scoreboard ticking and ensuring that the pressure never really mounts on the RCB chase. This reminds one of the great opening partnerships of the past, like Greenidge and Haynes for the West Indies in the 80s. It was a contrasting but complementary style.

And while the focus is on RCB's chase, one must also consider Gujarat Titans' perspective. They put up a competitive total of 206. It's a score that, on another day, might have been enough to secure victory. However, Kohli’s current form renders almost any total chaseable. The GT bowlers need to find a way to break the Kohli-Padikkal partnership quickly if they are to have any hope of turning the tide. This is an absolute jaffa of a situation for GT.

Meanwhile, there's discussion around team strategies elsewhere in the IPL. Chandrakant Pandit recently offered a strong defence of Ajinkya Rahane’s approach at the top of the order for another team. He highlighted the thought process behind Rahane’s role. But tonight, all eyes are on Bangalore.

The significance of this match extends beyond just the immediate result. For RCB, a victory here will significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. For Kohli, it’s another opportunity to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen to ever grace the game. To see Anushka Sharma in the stands, offering her unwavering support, only adds to the drama and spectacle. Not since Sachin Tendulkar has an Indian batsman commanded such a presence.

What’s next? The Gujarat Titans need a miracle. They need wickets, and they need them fast. Otherwise, Virat Kohli will continue to script multiple records. The RCB faithful will continue to roar. And Anushka Sharma will likely be on her feet again, applauding another masterful innings. It will be interesting to see if they can do it.