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The 23rd match of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday, was a night of high-octane action and heartwarming camaraderie. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dominant surge, securing a commanding five-wicket victory over the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The win was significant not just for the points but for the statement it made, as RCB reclaimed the top spot on the IPL points table with 8 points from five matches. Under the Bengaluru lights, the home side chased down a modest target of 147 with 29 balls to spare, proving why they are currently the team to beat in this edition of the tournament.
Virat Kohli delivers a comic reaction when youngster Naman Tiwari touches his feet post-match
While the match was defined by intense competition, the post-game interactions provided the most talked-about moment of the evening. As the players gathered on the field for the traditional handshakes and chats, Virat Kohli was seen mentoring a group of LSG youngsters, including Mukul Choudhary and the talented Naman Tiwari.
In a clip that has since taken social media by storm, Tiwari, who was acquired by LSG for a whopping ₹1 crore following an intense bidding war, attempted to show his respect by touching Kohli’s feet. Kohli, known for his aggressive on-field persona but humble off-field nature, was visibly caught off guard. He reacted with a hilarious mix of shock and a wide grin, quickly pulling Tiwari up before he could complete the gesture. The former India captain broke into a hearty laugh, playfully reprimanding the youngster while sharing a light-hearted moment that showcased the deep respect the next generation holds for him.
Despite battling a sore knee and being under the weather for several days, Kohli’s intensity remained unmatched. Having started the game as an Impact Substitute with his left knee heavily strapped, he played a crucial anchor role, scoring 49 off 34 balls. This knock took his tournament tally to 228 runs at a staggering average of 57, ensuring he kept a firm grip on the Orange Cap.
Here’s the video:
A Heartwarming gesture by Naman Tiwari.❣️
Naman Tiwari Touching the feel of Virat Kohli after the match.#RCBvsLSG । #LSGvsRCB । #IPL2026। #TATAIPL । #ViratKohli । #RajatPatidar । #RoyalChallengersBangalore । #RCB । #PlayBold । #RishabhPant । #LucknowSuperGiants pic.twitter.com/U94lSTs9Zg
— Infinite Info (@infiniteInfos) April 15, 2026
Also WATCH: Phil Salt pulls off a stunning screamer to dismiss Rishabh Pant during RCB vs LSG encounter
Rasikh Salam’s 4-wicket masterclass shines as RCB cruise to a commanding victory against LSG
While Kohli provided the fireworks in the chase, the foundation of RCB’s victory was laid by the relentless bowling of Rasikh Salam Dar. The young pacer produced a career-best performance, dismantling the LSG batting lineup with figures of 4/24. LSG struggled from the outset, especially after skipper Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt early in the innings after being struck on the elbow.
Salam utilized his variations and pinpoint yorkers to perfection, particularly in the death overs. He accounted for the dangerous Ayush Badoni (38) and cleaned up the tail, including Mukul Choudhary and Avesh Khan. Supported by veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/27) and Krunal Pandya (2/38), who reached the milestone of 100 IPL wickets during the match, RCB restricted LSG to a season-low total of 146.
In response, RCB’s chase was clinical. Following Kohli’s aggressive start, cameos from Jitesh Sharma and skipper Rajat Patidar ensured there were no late hiccups. The victory not only delighted the home crowd but also solidified RCB’s position as the frontrunners in the race for the IPL 2026 playoffs.
Also WATCH: Mitchell Marsh launches Bhuvneshwar Kumar out of the park with a gigantic 102 meter six in RCB vs LSG match
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
