The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a classic IPL 2026 encounter on Saturday, March 28, as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), secured a thrilling 6-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). While the high-scoring chase kept fans on the edge of their seats, a heartwarming moment of banter between Virat Kohli and SRH captain Ishan Kishan has since taken social media by storm.
During RCB’s successful pursuit of a 200+ target, the cameras caught a playful exchange between the two Indian stars. As Kohli crossed paths with the young SRH skipper, who was busy setting his field, the veteran hilariously caressed Kishan’s chin—a traditional gesture often used by elders toward children. A blushing and sheepish Ishan Kishan couldn’t help but smile, proving that despite the intensity of the “Southern Derby,” the camaraderie remains intact.
The clash was a high-octane affair that saw both captains leading from the front. Ishan Kishan played a captain’s knock, smashing a brutal 80 off just 38 balls to propel the visitors past the 200-run mark. However, his heroics were ultimately derailed by a masterclass from Virat Kohli. In true “Chase Master” fashion, Kohli anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 69 off 38 balls and hitting the winning runs to seal the game with four balls to spare.
This victory further solidifies RCB’s position as a dominant force this season. Under the new ownership of the Aditya Birla Group, the team is showing the composure of true champions. Fans are already looking forward to the next encounter, but for now, the viral “chin-stroke” video remains the highlight of the weekend, perfectly capturing the spirit of the IPL.