IPL 2026 Final Drama: Gill Frustrated As Kohli Survives Controversial Catch

A controversial catch decision in the IPL final saw Virat Kohli survive, sparking debate and ultimately contributing to RCBs five wicket victory.Photograph: Amit Dave/ReutersKey PointsVirat Kohli survived a controversial catch decision during RCBs chase against Gujarat Titans.Shubman Gill appeared frustrated after the catch was ruled incomplete by the third umpire.Kohli engaged in an animated discussion with on-field Umpire Nitin Menon, insisting on a review.The third umpires inconclusive replays led to the decision being overturned in Kohlis favour.Kohli capitalised on the reprieve, scoring an unbeaten 75 to guide RCB to victory. After a quiet outing with the bat and a dismissal for 10, Gujarat Titans Skipper Shubman Gill cut a frustrated figure in the field.The tension escalated later when Virat Kohli survived a controversial catch decision during Royal Challengers Bengalurus chase in Ahmedabad.The incident unfolded on the final ball of the 16th over of RCBs chase when Kohli chipped a delivery from Arshad Khan towards mid-off.Shubman Gill dived forward to complete what looked like a sharp catch but Kohli immediately felt the ball may have touched the ground.Kohli walked up to on-field Umpire Nitin Menon for clarification, in an animated exchange where the umpire initially indicated that he should walk off.

However, Kohli persisted, insisting the decision be reviewed.Third Umpire Intervention and Overturned DecisionThe third umpire was eventually called into action. Despite inconclusive replays, it was judged that the ball had made contact with the ground, leading to the decision being overturned in Kohlis favour.Debate and Kohlis ReactionThe ruling sparked some debate, especially after Kohli was seen exchanging words with Gill during the tense delay.At that point, Kohli was batting on 63 and he made the most of the second chance. He stayed unbeaten and later sealed the match in trademark fashion, finishing on 75 not out with a six over long on, guiding RCB to a five wicket win and their second consecutive IPL title.IPL 2026IPL 2026: Games, Players, Teams