RCB, batting first, began with intent as Kohli went on the offensive early. He smashed Rabada for five consecutive boundaries in a single over, mixing pulls, drives and cuts with authority. The Indian star raced to 28 off just 10 balls and even launched Mohammed Siraj for a flat six, taking RCB to a strong position.
However, Gujarat captain Shubman Gill stuck with Rabada, and the decision proved decisive. The pacer responded by tightening his line and removing Kohli with a mistimed pull, with Rashid completing a neat catch.
That wicket opened the floodgates. RCB crumbled from 71/2 to 96/6 in a dramatic collapse, with Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David and Krunal Pandya falling in quick succession.
While Devdutt Padikkal attempted to rebuild with a composed 40, Rashid Khan produced a superb delivery to dismiss him. Meanwhile, Jason Holder delivered a standout all-round effort, picking up key wickets and grabbing three excellent catches, including a sensational running effort to remove Patidar.
Arshad Khan then cleaned up the tail with figures of 3/22 as RCB were bowled out in 19.2 overs. Despite their attacking approach, the defending champions fell short of a competitive total.