WATCH: Virat Kohli signs jersey for Rashid Khan after RCB's crushing loss to GT in must-win game

Virat Kohli signing a jersey for Rashid Khan (Source: Twitter)

It was a rollercoaster night for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) supporters at the Chinnaswamy Stadium as they lost by eight wickets to Gujarat Titans (GT) in a critical encounter despite Virat Kohli's record-breaking century. RCB's journey in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) came to an end as they failed to qualify for the playoffs, but the players did not leave their fans utterly disappointed as they did a lap of honour after their final league match.

Moments before the lap, the former RCB captain was spotted interacting with a few GT players. In a video shared by IPL on its Twitter handle, Kohli was seen handing over a signed jersey for GT's spin wizard Rashid Khan. Delighted to receive the souvenir, the Afghanistan cricketer hugged the batting stalwart and made the moment even more memorable.

Watch the video below: 

Some memorable souvenirs for players and a lap of honour for the ever-so-energetic Chinnaswamy crowd 👏🏻👏🏻#TATAIPL | #RCBvGT | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/Y8dQzz2QyP

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 21, 2023

The lap of honour was led by RCB captain Faf du Plessis, who was joined by the rest of the team. Kohli was seen sitting heartbroken in their dugout after the loss, but the 34-year-old clapped and waved to the crowd as he bid farewell to IPL 2023. Head coach Mike Hesson also took part in the ceremony and thanked the energetic and loyal Chinnaswamy crowd.

GT to face CSK in Qualifier 1

Talking about the match, Kohli and du Plessis started well in the first innings but RCB suffered a batting collapse soon after the skipper's wicket. However, Kohli stepped up once again in a must-win game and forged some crucial partnerships with Michael Bracewell and Anuj Rawat. The RCB opener broke the record for most centuries in the IPL by smashing his back-to-back centuries, taking the team total to 197.

A target of less than 200 at Chinnaswamy was never going to be easy, and the defending champions proved it with a comprehensive win led by Shubman Gill's second IPL ton. GT sealed their top spot in style and helped Mumbai Indians (MI) in a big way to reach the playoffs. Hardik Pandya and Co will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in qualifier 1 on Tuesday, May 23.