Rabada becomes first non-Indian bowler to dismiss Kohli five times in T20s

Key facts

• Kagiso Rabada dismissed Virat Kohli for 28 off 13 balls in the fourth over of RCB's innings.
• Rabada is the first non-Indian bowler to take Kohli's wicket five times in T20s.
• Kohli hit five consecutive fours off Rabada before being caught by Rashid Khan.
• Kohli became the first batter to score 8000 IPL runs in India during the innings.
• Sandeep Sharma holds the record for most Kohli dismissals in T20s with seven.
• Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami have each dismissed Kohli five times in T20s.

A record-breaking duel in Ahmedabad

Virat Kohli walked out to bat at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday and immediately set the tone, smashing five consecutive fours off Kagiso Rabada in a breathtaking display of strokeplay. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru opener raced to 28 runs from just 13 balls, hitting five fours and a six before Rabada exacted revenge. Rabada, bowling his second over, had Kohli caught by Rashid Khan inside the 30-yard circle. The wicket marked the fifth time the South African has dismissed Kohli in T20 cricket, making him the first non-Indian bowler to achieve the feat.

Rabada joins elite company

The 30-year-old pacer, who represents South Africa and has played for Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings before joining Gujarat Titans in 2025, now has five Kohli dismissals in 18 T20 matches. He joins Indian fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, who have also taken Kohli's wicket five times in the format. Sandeep Sharma leads all bowlers with seven dismissals of Kohli in 21 matches, followed by Ashish Nehra with six. Among non-Indians, Rabada is followed by Sunil Narine, Jacques Kallis, and Mitchell McClenaghan, each with four.

Kohli's milestone amidst the duel

Before being dismissed, Kohli etched his name in the record books by becoming the first batter to score 8000 IPL runs in India. The achievement came during his brief but explosive innings, which included five boundaries in a single over off Rabada — a feat that placed him alongside Chris Gayle and Shane Watson in an exclusive RCB club. Gayle had hit five fours off Ishwar Pandey in 2013, and Watson repeated the feat off Thisara Perera in 2016. Kohli's five consecutive fours off Rabada in Ahmedabad in 2026 now completes the trio.

Match context and standings

The fixture at the Narendra Modi Stadium saw Gujarat Titans opt to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rabada led the Titans' fast bowling attack alongside Mohammed Siraj, bowling the second, fourth, and sixth overs of the RCB innings. According to the IPL 2026 points table, RCB leapfrogged Rajasthan Royals to take second position, while Gujarat Titans remained seventh. The match also featured a controversial catch by Jason Holder that left Kohli fuming, and a partnership between Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill that made the chase 'easy' for RCB, according to reports.

Historical significance and what lies ahead

Rabada's achievement underscores his growing reputation as a premier fast bowler in T20 cricket, particularly against top-order batsmen. His ability to dismiss Kohli consistently — five times in 18 matches — places him in a select group that includes only the best Indian pacers. For Kohli, the innings was a reminder of his enduring class, even as he fell to a bowler who has now become his nemesis. The record for most dismissals by a non-Indian remains within reach, with Rabada just one wicket away from matching Nehra's six and two from equalling Sandeep Sharma's seven.

The broader implications for IPL 2026

As the IPL 2026 season progresses, the duel between Kohli and Rabada may become a defining subplot. Rabada's performance bolsters Gujarat Titans' bowling attack, while RCB's strong position in the standings suggests they remain title contenders. The match also highlighted the depth of talent in the league, with players like Rashid Khan and Jason Holder making key contributions. With several matches remaining, both teams will look to build on their strengths and address weaknesses exposed in this encounter.

The bottom line

• Kagiso Rabada became the first non-Indian bowler to dismiss Virat Kohli five times in T20s.
• Kohli hit five consecutive fours off Rabada before being dismissed for 28 off 13 balls.
• Kohli became the first batter to score 8000 IPL runs in India during the innings.
• Sandeep Sharma holds the overall record for most Kohli dismissals in T20s with seven.
• RCB moved to second in the IPL 2026 points table after the match, while GT remained seventh.
• The duel adds a new chapter to the rivalry between two of the tournament's key players.