Watch: Virat Kohli pulls off animated celebration after avoiding hat-trick of ducks, video goes viral

Virat Kohli made a much-anticipated return to the scoresheet during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s high-stakes IPL 2026 encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 13. Playing at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, the veteran opener was under significant pressure to perform after enduring a rare and difficult stretch in his recent outings.

Virat Kohli's celebration after ending duck streak goes viral

The moment of relief came after Kohli had registered back-to-back ducks in his previous matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians. Facing Vidarbha pacer Saurabh Dubey, Kohli showcased his trademark composure against a good-length delivery that swung into his pads. He expertly worked the ball toward square leg with soft hands, sprinting through for a sharp single to get his innings underway and end his brief lean patch in dramatic fashion.

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That single run triggered an electric response from the Raipur crowd, as fans erupted in celebration of the star batter’s first runs in three innings. Kohli himself acknowledged the milestone with an animated celebration, visibly buoyed by the breakthrough. Even with his recent dip in form, Kohli continues to be a vital pillar for the franchise, maintaining his position as RCB’s leading run-scorer for the 2026 season.

Watch the video here:

This was not the first time Kohli has reacted with such visible relief after snapping a brief scoreless streak. A similar scene unfolded earlier this year during India’s ODI tour of Australia, where he celebrated in almost identical fashion after breaking a two-match run of ducks. His animated response in Raipur served as a callback to that moment, highlighting the immense self-imposed pressure the veteran batter feels even after a career of unmatched consistency.

Virat Kohli's historic milestone

Beyond the relief of getting off the mark, the night carried profound historical significance for the legendary cricketer. By taking the field against KKR, Kohli officially became the most-capped player in IPL history. This 279th appearance allowed him to move clear of MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, who had previously shared the record with 278 matches each.

Given the intense media scrutiny and public debate surrounding his form leading up to the match, Kohli would have been particularly satisfied that such a landmark occasion was not marred by another early exit. Successfully navigating the opening overs ensured that the focus remained on his unprecedented longevity and commitment to the league, rather than a continuation of his temporary struggle for runs.