The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a tactical masterclass on Thursday. Gujarat Titans (GT) demolished existing champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)In his 42nd match IPL 2026. While the game was decided by the clinical efficiency of the Titans’ bowling unit and a terrific start by their openers, the real fireworks happened on social media after the game. GT captain Shubman GillKnown for their calm demeanor, RCB showed their witty side by taking a playful jab at their loyalties, turning the franchise’s iconic motto against them.
Shubman Gill takes an amusing survey of RCB supporters after Gujarat Titans’ dominant win in IPL 2026.
After the five-wicket win, Gill took to Instagram to celebrate the win by sharing a series of photos from the night. Among them was a particularly remarkable shot of him, along with a modern legend Virat Kohli. However, it was the title that shocked IPL fans. Gill wrote: “Play Hold @jaseholder98. Brave performance from the team tonight,” modifying RCB’s famous “Play Bold” mantra with respect to the match winner, Jason Holder.
Play Hold was an instant hit among Titans fans but served as a cheeky salt in the wound for Bengaluru supporters. The joke highlights the growing rivalry between the two modern heavyweights, especially given RCB’s status as reigning champions. By tagging Holder and emphasizing the word ‘Brave’, Gill effectively trolled the RCB chant while also applauding his team’s dominant display in front of a packed home crowd.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli brings back the old school aggression with an animated delivery to Shubman Gill in GT vs RCB
Jason Holder delivers match-winning performance as RCB over GT in IPL 2026 match
On the field, the story was dictated by a disciplined GT bowling attack and relentless chase. By first choosing a bat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru struggling to find any rhythm against the relentless pace Arshad Khan (3/23) and trickery Rashid Khan (2/19). Despite the struggle, 55 off 31 balls Jacob Bethell and from a constant 40 Devdutt PadikkalThe RCB middle order collapsed.
Holder was the undisputed star of the first innings, providing a “Hold” with Gill’s pun. The owner’s figures of 2/29 were completed by three crucial catches which effectively eliminated the dangerous one. Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd as they look at speeding up. RCB were eventually bundled out for 155 in 19.2 overs.
The chase was a show of intent from the GT openers. Gill himself led from the front, smashing 43 off just 18 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 238.88, including four boundaries and three maximums. was well supported by If Buttlerwho hammered 19 off 39. Caused a wobble despite one average shot Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s 3/28, the Titans never looked threatened.
Rahul Tewatia An unbeaten knock of 27 off 17 took GT to 158/6 in just 15.5 overs. The 25-ball win not only boosted GT’s net run rate, but also signaled the tournament’s intent as it heads into the playoffs. Holder was named Player of the Match for his all-round contribution, cementing a night where the Titans really “held their nerve” and played “Bravely”.
Also READ: Fans react to Jason Holder’s all-round show leading GT to a massive win over RCB in IPL 2026.
