Kohli-Padikkal ace another chase; RCB leave Chinnaswamy with another win

Sai Sudharsan's maiden century of the season went in vain as RCB cruised to a 5-wicket win over Gujarat Titans in their chase of 206 and moved to second spot on the IPL 2026 points table. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal stroked majestic half-centuries en route to their 117-run stand for the second wicket as RCB, barring a brief period of stutter, looked in total control of the run-chase, which was completed with seven balls to spare.

Brief Scores: Gujarat Titans 205/3 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 100, Jason Holder 23; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1-31) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 206/5 in 18.5 overs (Virat Kohli 81, Devdutt Padikkal 55; Rashid Khan 2-49, Manav Suthar 1-19) by 5 wickets.

Who set the stage for GT's big total?

On a two-paced track, Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan ensured the scoring rate wasn't impacted. Sudharsan faced 29 of the 36 deliveries in the Powerplay, cutting loose against RCB's pacers. They added 57 runs in the Powerplay and kept the charge going, adding 130 runs before Gill fell in the 13th over.

Could GT continue the charge?

Jos Buttler took on Suyash Sharma in the 15th over. Sudharsan brought up his century but departed next over, mistiming a pull off Josh Hazlewood. Cameos by Buttler and Washington Sundar set up a strong death overs surge, but RCB bowlers clawed back, conceding only 17 runs in the first three death overs. With Rasikh Salam off due to cramps, Krunal Pandya bowled the final over and Jason Holder took him apart, hitting sixes en route to 20 runs in the last over to push GT past 200.

How did RCB start in the chase?

Jacob Bethell's innings ended on 10 off 10, while Kohli was dropped on zero. He made full use of that opportunity, asserting himself against GT pacers alongside Padikkal as RCB put on 58 in the Powerplay. Kohli was at his imperious best – driving, whipping with ease and command against Kagiso Rabada, using his footwork against Rashid, and taking on Prasidh Krishna's short balls. He fell for 81, inside-edging Jason Holder onto his stumps.

Padikkal continued his good form, whipping Rabada for six over deep backward square, pulling Prasidh Krishna for boundaries, and hitting Rashid inside out for six over deep extra cover. He cruised to a 20-ball half-century before being stumped off a Rashid googly in the 13th over. Their 117-run stand set the stage for RCB's victory.

What happened after the partnership ended?

Rajat Patidar got going with a six off Rashid. However, after Kohli and Padikkal's dismissals, GT spinners piled on pressure. Jitesh Sharma mistimed a cut to point and Patidar edged Manav Suthar against the turn. An edge from Tim David's bat flew over third man. Krunal Pandya countered GT's field placements effectively with a quickfire 23.

Where do the teams go next?

Gujarat Titans travel to Chennai for an afternoon game on Sunday (April 26). RCB travel to Delhi to face Delhi Capitals on Monday (April 27).