Kamal Ghorui
Virat Kohli brought intensity and theatre to the field as his animated reaction to Shubman Gill’s dismissal became one of the standout moments of the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans.Gill, who had earlier lit up the chase with a blistering knock, looked in complete control after racing to 43 off just 18 balls. The GT skipper had set the tone early, striking a four and a six off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the opening over before tearing into Josh Hazlewood for 24 runs in a single over. In the process, he also became the first batter to smash 100 sixes for Gujarat Titans.However, the momentum shifted in a flash. Bhuvneshwar struck back with a length delivery as Gill charged down the track and drilled it hard, only to find Kohli at cover. The RCB star reacted sharply, reverse-cupping a fast-travelling ball near his neck to complete a clean catch.What followed was pure Kohli. He flung the ball into the turf in celebration, turned towards Gill and mouthed a fired-up “come on”, clearly pumped after ending the dangerous innings. The intensity reflected how much the moment meant, especially with Gill threatening to take the game away.Kohli wasn’t done yet. Moments later, he glanced at the big screen replay of his own reaction and broke into a wide smile, clearly enjoying the occasion.The animated celebration also came after Kohli had earlier been involved in a heated exchange with the fourth umpire over Jason Holder’s controversial catch to dismiss Rajat Patidar.
