RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru's star batter Virat Kohli electrified the crowd with his aggressive celebrations and fierce gestures, grabbing everyone's attention during the Qualifier 1 clash against Gujarat Titans, where he executed Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic 'siuu' celebration. Kohli, an avid admirer of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, has repeatedly unleashed Ronaldo's trademark move on the field over the last few years.
When the Gujarat-based franchise chased a mammoth target of 254 runs and lost five batters during the powerplay, Kohli then unleashed an aggressive 'SIUU' gesture as the Rajat Patidar-led side dominated the match.
Watch the video here:
It isn't the first time that Kohli has delivered this celebration. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Kohli, along with Mohammed Siraj, who also admires Ronaldo, erupted with the "SIUU" celebration when Siraj claimed the wicket of Wesley Barresi during their match against the Netherlands. In the Champions Trophy 2025, he once again unleashed Ronaldo's celebration in their match against the Mitchell Santner-led side.
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Talking about Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, the Rajat Patidar-led side defeated the Gujarat-based franchise by 92 runs and qualified for the second consecutive final. This win guarantees their place in the summit clash, while Gujarat still has a chance to reach the final via Qualifier 2, where they will face the Eliminator winner. The reigning champions will play the summit clash later this week against the team that wins the second Qualifier. Kohli also played a huge role, giving the team a flying start after Venkatesh Iyer was dismissed cheaply. He had scored a match-winning knock of 43 runs off 25 balls and had set the foundation for a mammoth target. RCB captain Rajat Patidar was the standout performer as he scored a brilliant knock of 93 runs off 33 balls and helped the team post a target of 254 runs.
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Bhuvaneshwar Kumar rattled the Shubman Gill-led side's batting attack as he first dismissed Gill himself during the second over, and then Sai Sudharsan suffered an unusual hit-wicket dismissal. The Gujarat-based franchise faltered while chasing, but due to the playoff structure, they still get another opportunity in Qualifier 2, where they will face the Eliminator winners for another chance at reaching the final.