With the stadium awash with shirts bearing Kohli’s name and iconic number 18, the former India captain delivered once again on the biggest stage.
He may turn 38 later this year but a player famed for his ability to master a chase shows there is plenty left in the tank as he chalked up his fastest IPL half-century.
Kohli and fellow opener Venkatesh Iyer, who struck 32 from 16 balls, gave RCB the perfect start with a rapid 62-run opening stand.
Mohammed Siraj made the breakthrough by dismissing Iyer, before Kagiso Rabada removed Devdutt Padikkal to give Gujarat with an opening.
Rashid Khan then swung momentum further in the Titans’ favour, claiming two wickets in an over as captain Rajat Patidar fell for 15 and Krunal Pandya followed soon after.
But Kohli, who retired from T20 internationals after the 2024 World Cup, remained stoic, as he shared a crucial 41-run partnership with Tim David to steady the chase.
David made 24 before departing, which left Kohli to guide RCB home alongside Jitesh Sharma.
Kohli even provided the iconic ending the majority of those inside the stadium craved as he crashed Arshad Khan over long-on for six to seal the victory.
“Such is the demand of the sport today. You have these super young players pushing you all the time and asking you to change your game and up the ante,” said Kohli after winning the player-of-the-match award.
“It’s an exciting situation because it gives you something to improve on, something to work towards. And I just take a lot of pride in getting better and just trying to figure out areas where I can improve.”
