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It was a perfect blend of high-quality cricket, raw emotion, and a heartfelt personal moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their IPL 2026 campaign with a commanding six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). At the center of it all was Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten knock and heartening gesture towards his wife Anushka Sharma added a memorable human touch to an already electrifying evening.
Virat Kohli guides RCB over the finish line with match-winning knock
Chasing a challenging target of 202, RCB showcased remarkable intent from the outset. Kohli anchored the innings with a sublime 69 not out off just 38 deliveries, demonstrating both composure and aggression. His innings, decorated with five boundaries and five towering sixes, reflected his enduring class and ability to rise on big occasions.
Kohli paced the chase perfectly, ensuring there were no unnecessary risks while keeping the scoreboard ticking. His presence at the crease instilled confidence in the batting unit, ultimately guiding RCB to victory in just 15.4 overs. While Kohli held one end steady, Devdutt Padikkal turned the game decisively in RCB’s favor. Introduced as an impact substitute, Padikkal delivered a stunning 61 off 26 balls, dismantling SRH’s bowling attack with fearless stroke play.
Captain Rajat Patidar also made a valuable contribution, scoring a brisk 31 runs that helped maintain the momentum during the middle overs. The combined efforts of the trio ensured that the daunting target never seemed out of reach.
Ishan Kishan takes SRH to big total
Earlier in the evening, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a formidable 201/9 after being put in to bat. Stand-in captain Ishan Kishan led from the front with a brilliant 80, anchoring the innings with maturity and flair.
Aniket Verma provided a late surge with a quickfire 43 off 18 balls, adding crucial runs in the death overs. Despite their strong batting performance, SRH’s bowlers struggled to contain RCB’s aggressive chase.
Also WATCH: Jacob Duffy folds both SRH openers Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head in single over during IPL 2026 opener
Kohli’s heartwarming moment with Anushka Sharma steals the spotlight
The night wasn’t just about cricket. After sealing the victory, Kohli turned towards the stands and blew a flying kiss to Anushka, who was present at the stadium. Sitting alongside players from the RCB Women’s team, including captain Smriti Mandhana, Anushka responded with a smile and a flying kiss of her own. The gesture sparked loud cheers from the crowd, adding a personal and emotional highlight to the match.
Here’s the video:
New owner Ananya Birla enjoying every bit of the Virat Kohli – Anushka Sharma reaction live! 😄
Anushka’s left-hand reaction be like: “This boy is always like this only!” 😂
— Suresh (@Suresthinakar)
The match also carried a somber undertone, as players from both teams wore black armbands and observed a minute’s silence before the game. This tribute honored fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede last year, reminding everyone of the deeper connections and responsibilities within the sport.
