Watch- Devdutt Padikkal Takes Virat Kohli’s Revenge From Jason Holder – Devdutt Padikkal Takes Viral Revenge on Jason Holder After Kohli Dismissal
A Night of High Drama and Payback in Dharamsala
The IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT) at the scenic Dharamsala stadium will be remembered for years to come. While RCB secured a dominant 92-run victory to storm into the final, the narrative of the night was unexpectedly stolen by a moment of on-field tit-for-tat between Devdutt Padikkal and Jason Holder.
The Context: A High-Stakes Encounter
Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, posting a mammoth 254/5. Skipper Rajat Patidar led from the front with a blistering 93 off just 33 deliveries, effectively taking the game away from the Titans. However, the intensity of the match reached a boiling point early in the innings during the showdown between two cricketing stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Jason Holder.
The Initial Confrontation: Holder’s Aggressive Send-off
Virat Kohli, who looked in sublime touch, had raced to a 25-ball 43, providing a solid foundation for the RCB innings. His partnership with Devdutt Padikkal was crucial in maintaining a high run rate. In the ninth over, Jason Holder delivered a sharp, short-pitched ball that caught Kohli off-guard. The former RCB captain, attempting a hook shot, managed only a bottom edge that crashed into the stumps.
What followed was an intense reaction from Holder. The GT all-rounder celebrated the big wicket with an aggressive gesture, performing a jogging-style run-away motion as he sent Kohli back to the pavilion. This animated display was noted by the entire RCB unit, setting the stage for an eventual confrontation.
The Perfect Response: Padikkal Steals the Spotlight
The tides turned rapidly during the Gujarat Titans’ second innings. Facing a mountainous target of 255, the GT batting order crumbled under pressure. When Rasikh Salam dismissed Jason Holder for a three-ball duck in the sixth over, Devdutt Padikkal saw his opportunity for justice. Immediately following the fall of Holder’s wicket, Padikkal sprinted towards his teammates while perfectly mimicking the jogging celebration Holder had performed earlier. The viral moment was widely celebrated by fans as the perfect piece of cricketing karma.
Padikkal’s Vital Role in the RCB Victory
Beyond the viral celebration, Devdutt Padikkal was instrumental in setting up RCB’s massive total. His 19-ball 30 was characterized by an aggressive strike rate of 157.89. He provided essential momentum at the top of the order, forging a 72-run partnership with Kohli that allowed the middle order to play with freedom. His approach ensured that the Gujarat Titans bowlers remained under constant pressure from the very first ball of the match.
Total Domination by the RCB Bowling Attack
The RCB bowlers were equally clinical, ensuring there was no path back for the Gujarat Titans. Jacob Duffy provided an early breakthrough, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Shubman Gill early in the piece. Rasikh Salam’s brilliant spell, which claimed both Nishant Sindhu and Jason Holder, effectively sealed the fate of the Titans inside the powerplay. Reduced to 51/5, the Titans were never in the hunt, eventually being bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.
The victory serves as a strong statement of intent from Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they head into the IPL 2026 Final. With the team firing on all cylinders—both in their batting heroics and their spirited on-field camaraderie—RCB looks like a formidable force ready to challenge for the title.
