WATCH: Ahead of Qualifier 1 clash vs GT, Virat Kohli makes fun of Shubman Gill's beard

Gujarat Titans (GT) will lock horns against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 clash at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Tuesday, May 26. This is going to be a key clash for both of the teams, to secure direct qualification to finals.

Fun banter between Gill and Virat

Ahead of the game, Virat Kohli and GT skipper Shubman Gill were seen having a fun-banter off the field. The video of the moment has been going viral on social media. In the viral video, Shubman Gill was having a chat with RCB vice-captain Jitesh Sharma, suddenly Virat Kohli appeared and hugged the GT skipper.

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However, Virat could not control his intrusive thoughts and ended up making fun of Gill's new beard look. The former India skipper was seen checking Shubman's beard and pulling cheek. The viral moment is very special, as it truly displays the camaraderie between the two star players.

Here is the video of the viral moment:

Shubman Gill's spectacular IPL 2026

After playing 13 games, GT skipper has endured a fantastic campaign with the bat in the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The right-handed batter has scored 616 runs in 13 outings at an average of 47.38 with an unusual aggressive strike rate of 161. 68. The upgrade in Gill's batting is clearly visible, as the India Test and ODI skipper is playing an aggressive brand of cricket.

Gill has managed to register six half-centuries in the tournament, making him the second-highest run-getter for GT.

Virat Kohli's another amazing IPL campaign

The 37-year-old batter has been going through a red-hot form in the ongoing season, despite retiring from T20Is two years back. Virat Kohli has managed to amass 557 runs in 14 games at an average of 50.64 with an unusual aggressive strike rate of 163.87.

It is very unlikely of Virat to play with such attacking intent. It seems that retiring from T20Is has released a lot of baggage off his shoulders, which is a big positive for RCB in IPL 2026.