Raipur: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a dramatic last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in a thrilling IPL 2026 clash, with Virat Kohli’s passionate on-field celebration quickly going viral across social media platforms.

Chasing a competitive target of 167, RCB held their nerve in a tense finish, securing a two-wicket win on the final delivery of the match. The result not only boosted RCB’s campaign but also knocked Mumbai Indians out of the playoff race.

Last-ball drama seals memorable win

The match went down to the wire, with RCB needing 2 runs off the final ball. Rasikh Salam Dar played a shot straight back towards bowler Raj Angad Bawa, who inadvertently deflected the ball towards long-on. The batters capitalised on the misfield to complete the winning runs, sparking jubilant celebrations in the RCB camp.

The dramatic finish sent the Raipur crowd into a frenzy, but it was Virat Kohli’s animated reaction that stole the spotlight. The former India captain was seen celebrating with unmatched intensity, reflecting the significance of the victory. His reaction has since gone viral, with fans praising his passion and commitment.

Krunal Pandya anchors the chase

RCB’s chase was anchored by a brilliant knock from Krunal Pandya, who scored 73 runs off 46 deliveries. His innings kept RCB in contention despite regular wickets at the other end.

With 15 runs required off the final over, the pressure was firmly on RCB. However, a crucial six by Bhuvneshwar Kumar shifted the momentum before the final-ball drama unfolded.

Krunal’s composed innings under pressure proved to be the backbone of RCB’s successful chase, earning widespread praise from fans and experts alike.

Bowlers set up the contest

Earlier in the match, RCB’s bowlers played a crucial role in restricting Mumbai Indians to 166 for 7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout performer with the ball, picking up four wickets for just 23 runs.

Mumbai Indians had a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 28 runs in the opening overs. However, a steady partnership between Naman Dhir (47) and Tilak Varma (57) helped stabilise the innings, adding 82 runs for the fourth wicket.

Despite their efforts, MI struggled to accelerate in the latter stages, thanks to disciplined bowling from RCB. Contributions from Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Romario Shepherd ensured that the total remained within reach.

MI bowlers fight hard but fall short

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers put up a strong fight while defending the target. Corbin Bosch was particularly impressive, claiming four wickets for 26 runs, while Deepak Chahar chipped in with two wickets.

Their efforts kept MI in the game till the very end, setting up a nail-biting finish. However, the last-ball twist proved to be decisive, leaving MI just short of a crucial win.

The defeat also marked the end of Mumbai Indians’ playoff hopes, adding to the disappointment for the five-time champions.

Kohli’s celebration steals the show

While the match itself was a spectacle, it was Virat Kohli’s emotional celebration that captured the attention of fans worldwide. Known for his intensity on the field, Kohli’s reaction reflected the high stakes and pressure of the encounter.

Videos of his celebration quickly went viral, with fans sharing and commenting on his trademark aggression and passion. Many hailed it as a reminder of Kohli’s enduring commitment to the game and his team.

Conclusion

The last-ball thriller between RCB and Mumbai Indians will be remembered as one of the most exciting matches of IPL 2026. From Krunal Pandya’s match-winning knock to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s all-round contribution and the dramatic final delivery, the game had all the ingredients of a classic.

For RCB, the victory keeps their campaign alive and boosts team morale, while Mumbai Indians will be left to reflect on missed opportunities. Above all, Virat Kohli’s viral celebration has added an unforgettable moment to an already thrilling contest.