RCB Thrash SRH as Kohli's Flying Kiss Steals Show in IPL 2026 Opener

Virat Kohli blew a flying kiss to wife Anushka Sharma after guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2026 season opener at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

Kohli's unbeaten 69 powered RCB to a record chase of 203 in 15.4 overs, while Ishan Kishan reached 3,000 IPL runs and fans paid tribute to stampede victims.

Emotional Tribute Paid  

Players, officials, and spectators observed two minutes of silence before the match to honour 11 RCB fans who lost their lives in a tragic stampede during the Victory Parade in Bengaluru on June 4 last year.

Kohli's Sweet Gesture  

After finishing the chase with a six and hat-trick of boundaries, Kohli pointed his bat towards the stands where Anushka Sharma was seated and blew a flying kiss. The actress responded in kind, capturing a heartfelt moment between the couple that quickly went viral on social media.

Salt's Stunning Catch  

Phil Salt produced a sensational one-handed diving catch at deep backward point to dismiss Ishan Kishan in the 16th over. The spectacular effort left teammates and spectators in awe during SRH's innings.

Controversial Dismissal  

Heinrich Klaasen walked off unhappy after Salt took a catch close to the boundary rope in the 14th over. The third umpire upheld the decision following a referral, though replays sparked debate online about whether Salt had touched the cushion.

Dropped Catch Moment  

Virat Kohli endured a rare lapse in the field, dropping a straightforward catch off Aniket Verma in the 18th over. Cameras caught Anushka Sharma's amused reaction in the stands, adding a lighter touch to the evening.

Playful Banter on Field  

Ishan Kishan and Virat Kohli shared a humorous moment when Kishan attempted a run-out and later smiled as Kohli playfully held his face and exchanged words.

Record-Breaking Chase  

RCB scripted history with the fastest 200-plus chase in IPL history, reaching 203 in just 15.4 overs. Devdutt Padikkal complemented Kohli with a blistering 61 off 26 balls. SRH posted 202, riding on Kishan's 80 and Aniket Verma's quick 43.

Milestones Galore  

Virat Kohli became the first player to score 4,000 IPL runs while chasing and set a new record for most half-centuries at a single venue with his 28th at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ishan Kishan completed 3,000 IPL runs in 2,180 balls, placing him sixth on the fastest list.

The match showcased high-octane cricket as RCB began their campaign on a strong note at home. SRH, despite a competitive total, struggled to contain the aggressive batting display from the hosts. David Payne claimed two wickets for RCB, but the bowling unit was largely dominated in the chase.

Fans across the country celebrated the return of IPL action, with early trends showing massive engagement on digital platforms. The emotional tribute at the start reminded everyone of the human element behind the glitz of T20 cricket.

As the tournament progresses, RCB will look to build on this momentum while SRH aims to tighten their death bowling and fielding. The season promises more thrilling contests, records, and memorable moments for cricket lovers nationwide.