Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their second consecutive Indian Premier League title on Sunday, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli's unbeaten 75 guided the chase as RCB overhauled the target of 156 with two overs to spare, capping a memorable season.

The match, played on May 31, saw strong bowling from both sides before RCB's batting firepower and Kohli's experience sealed the deal. Gujarat Titans, batting first after winning the toss, struggled to accelerate and posted 155 for 8 in 20 overs. RCB's bowlers, led by Rasikh Salam Dar, kept a tight leash on the GT batters throughout.

Kohli-Gill Confrontation Steals Spotlight

One of the most talked-about moments came during the chase when Virat Kohli drove a delivery into the air towards mid-off. Shubman Gill dived forward to complete what looked like a sharp catch. Kohli immediately expressed doubts about the legality of the take, leading to an animated discussion between the two Indian stars. The third umpire was called in and ruled the catch invalid after replays showed the ball touching the grass. Kohli went on to celebrate the reprieve before continuing his match-winning knock.

Young Sooryavanshi's Respectful Gesture

Post-match, the focus shifted to the presentation ceremony where 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who swept multiple awards including Most Valuable Player and Emerging Player of the Season, greeted Kohli with folded hands. The RCB legend walked up for a warm conversation with the youngster, who had earlier received an autographed bat from Kohli this season. The respectful exchange between the veteran and the prodigy became an instant highlight.

Celebrations Erupt as RCB Lifts Trophy

After smashing the winning six, Kohli removed his pads and tossed them into the stands for delighted fans. He then raised his hands and blew kisses towards the VIP enclosure, where his wife Anushka Sharma was watching. The emotional gesture summed up the joy of back-to-back titles for the franchise.

In the dressing room area, Phil Salt poured a bucket of ice over head coach Andy Flower, who has now led RCB to consecutive championships. Mohammed Siraj's fiery send-off to Venkatesh Iyer after dismissing him also added to the competitive edge of the contest.

Other Key Moments from the Final

The game witnessed several close calls. A catch taken by substitute Jordan Cox to dismiss Washington Sundar was ruled out by the third umpire in the 10th over, as the ball was deemed to have touched the grass on landing. These tight decisions kept the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium on the edge throughout the evening.

Later in the night, as celebrations moved to the team hotel, videos emerged of Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya dancing together. Kohli and Anushka Sharma were also seen hitting the dance floor, soaking in the victory with teammates and family.

RCB's Dominant Season Comes Full Circle

This victory marks RCB's second straight IPL title, a significant achievement under Andy Flower's coaching. The team showed remarkable resilience throughout the playoffs, with Kohli once again emerging as the anchor in big matches. Gujarat Titans fought hard but fell short in the final despite a competitive total.

Fans in Bengaluru and across the country erupted in joy as the news spread late on Sunday night. The win not only ends the 2026 season on a high but also strengthens RCB's legacy in the league.

With the auction and next season still months away, discussions have already begun about whether RCB can make it three in a row. For now, the focus remains on savouring this hard-fought triumph in Ahmedabad.

Anushka Sharma Named Captain of India-A Women's T20 Side for England Tour

Gwalior's rising cricket star to lead India-A in three T20 matches against England-A; has previously led Madhya Pradesh to senior ODI Trophy glory

A Big Leap for Gwalior's Own
Anushka Sharma, the all-rounder from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, has been handed one of the most significant assignments of her young career. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has named her captain of the India-A women's T20 side for the upcoming England tour, where she will lead the team in a three-match series against England-A.
The announcement, made recently, has been widely seen as a reward for consistent domestic performances and her growing reputation as a match-winner in multiple formats.

Series Schedule and Venues
The three T20 matches are scheduled across two English venues. The first two games will be held in Northampton on June 20 and June 23, while the third and final match moves to Chelmsford on June 25.
A separate ODI series, running from June 28 to July 4 at Hove and Taunton, will be led by Harleen Deol, with Pratika Rawal named as her deputy. Vrinda Dinesh has been appointed vice-captain for the T20 leg under Anushka.

"Will Give My Best," Says Anushka
Speaking about the opportunity, Anushka Sharma kept it simple and grounded. "Playing for the country is every cricketer's dream. Leading the team as captain is a matter of great pride for me. I will try my best to give everything for my team," she said.

Senior Debut Already Under Her Belt
Anushka made her senior India debut during the South Africa tour, where she featured in three matches and showed enough to convince selectors of her readiness for bigger responsibilities. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball has made her a versatile asset in Indian women's cricket.
Earlier in the Women's Premier League 2026, she turned heads playing for Gujarat Giants — scoring 44 runs off just 30 balls in a high-pressure outing, underlining the aggressive batting that has become her signature.

Decorated Domestic Record
Before the India-A captaincy came calling, Anushka had already built an impressive resume at the domestic level. She has served as vice-captain of the Madhya Pradesh senior women's team and previously captained the India B side in the Under-19 Challenger Trophy. Under her leadership, Madhya Pradesh's U-19 team finished national runners-up.
Her most celebrated achievement remains the 2024-25 Senior Women's ODI Trophy, where she played a key role in MP's title-winning campaign. She walked away from the tournament with the Player of the Tournament award along with several other individual honours that season.
The Chandra Nayudu Award, given to recognise outstanding domestic women cricketers, is also among her recognitions.

Bundlekhand Bulls Back Her Too
Closer to home, Anushka was retained as captain of Bundlekhand Bulls for the second season of the Madhya Pradesh Women's League, to be held in Indore. In the first edition, she was vice-captain and played a crucial part in the team's title win. Her elevation to full captaincy for the second season reflects the confidence the franchise places in her leadership abilities.

What Comes Next
With the T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled in England from June 12 — India opening their campaign against Pakistan on June 14 — the India-A tour serves as important preparation ground. Players performing well in these matches could catch the selectors' eye for future senior assignments.
For Anushka Sharma, the England tour is not just another series. It is the clearest signal yet that Indian women's cricket sees a future leader in her.

Virat Kohli Rushes to Mumbai for Anushka's 38th Birthday

Cricketer Virat Kohli lands in Mumbai after RCB's IPL loss to join wife Anushka Sharma on her special day amid spiritual family bonds

Virat Kohli touched down in Mumbai this morning, straight from Ahmedabad, to celebrate wife Anushka Sharma's 38th birthday. The star batsman arrived hours after Royal Challengers Bangalore's defeat to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2026, putting family first despite the setback on the field.

Spotted at Mumbai Airport around 10 AM, Kohli obliged paparazzi with a quick birthday wish for Anushka. Dressed casually in a black sweatshirt, light blue jeans, blue cap and shades, he kept it low-key amid the frenzy.

Post-Match Family Dash

Kohli's dash to Mumbai underscores his priorities off the pitch. RCB's loss in Ahmedabad last night left fans disappointed, but the cricketer wasted no time boarding a flight home. Sources close to the family said he reached the city by early morning, ready to join celebrations with their two kids.

Anushka, turning 38 today, has been away from the spotlight lately. The couple, married since December 11, 2017, in a private ceremony in Italy, welcomed daughter Vamika on January 11, 2021, and son Akaay on February 15, 2024.

Recent Spiritual Sojourn

Just days ago, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma made headlines for their humble visit to Saint Premanand Maharaj's ashram in Vrindavan. On April 19—Akshaya Tritiya—they arrived around 10 AM at the ashram near Varah Ghat, also paying respects at the residence of Premanand's guru, Hit Gaurangi Sharan Maharaj.

Eyewitnesses described the pair in simple attire, sitting on the ground like regular devotees. No VIP treatment, no fuss—they listened attentively to the saint's satsang for over an hour before heading back to their hotel and departing by 11 AM.

Sixth Meeting with Premanand Maharaj

This Vrindavan trip marked the sixth time Kohli and Sharma have met Saint Premanand Maharaj. Their first encounter was on January 4, 2023. In the last 16 months alone, they've visited five times, including trips with their children in January 2025, May that year, and December.

Even post-Akaay's first birthday on February 16, they returned for blessings. Local ashram sources noted the couple's quiet devotion, asking no questions and blending in seamlessly.

Ground-Level Devotion Wins Hearts

Photos from the ashram showed Virat and Anushka in everyday clothes, cross-legged on the floor, absorbing every word. "They came like commoners, stayed humble," one devotee told reporters on site. The visit, ahead of Anushka's birthday, sparked online buzz about the family's deepening spiritual side.

Fans praised the no-frills approach, contrasting it with their high-profile lives. Social media lit up with clips of the satsang, highlighting Kohli's grounded persona beyond cricket.

Birthday amid IPL Pressure

Today's family time comes at a tense IPL juncture for Kohli and RCB. With playoffs looming, his focus shift to Mumbai has fans speculating on team morale. Yet, the birthday reunion feels like a much-needed breather.

Anushka, once a Bollywood mainstay, has prioritized family post-motherhood. Their Italy wedding and low-key parenting have long charmed the public.

Looking Ahead

As celebrations unfold privately in Mumbai, eyes remain on Kohli's RCB return. The team faces tough fixtures ahead. Meanwhile, the couple's ashram visits signal a spiritual anchor amid fame's whirl.

Initial reports suggest a close-knit family gathering—no grand bash, just quality time. Virat Kohli's quick airport smile hinted at the joy awaiting at home.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Hail Dhurandhar: The Revenge as Cinematic Masterpiece

Power couple praises Ranveer Singh's film and director Aditya Dhar ahead of IPL clash, sparking fresh buzz for blockbuster

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma watched Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 match against Rajasthan Royals. The couple showered praise on the film, its director Aditya Dhar, and lead actor Ranveer Singh via Instagram Stories. Kohli called it an unmatched cinematic experience in Indian cinema.

Key Details

Kohli shared his reaction post-screening, writing he had "never seen a cinematic experience like this made in India." He noted the nearly four-hour runtime gripped him without a flinch, stirring every emotion. Anushka lauded the film's immersive storytelling and conviction in its length.

Both highlighted Ranveer Singh's "flawless" and "beyond brilliant" performance. Anushka also commended supporting cast including R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi. The posts quickly went viral, amplifying the film's nationwide buzz.

Screening Context

The couple caught the film just before RCB's high-stakes IPL encounter. Sources close to Kohli indicated they prioritised the outing amid a packed cricket schedule. 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge', released recently, blends intense action with gripping narrative.

Director Responds

Aditya Dhar, who wrote, directed, and produced the film, replied promptly on Instagram. To Kohli, he expressed disbelief and fandom since the cricketer's Under-19 World Cup days. "Watching a once-in-a-generation legend show love like this just hits different," Dhar wrote, adding a Jai Hind salute.

For Anushka, Dhar called her praise "truly overwhelming" from an "exceptional talent." He vowed to aim higher with honest, heartfelt stories. Officials from the production house confirmed the exchanges boosted team morale.

Box Office Surge

The film raked in ₹1,021 crore in 19 days, with housefull shows nationwide. Dubbed versions expanded its reach across regions. As per reports, strong word-of-mouth and star power drove occupancy rates above 80% in key circuits.

Celebrity Endorsement Impact

Praise from Kohli, a national icon, and Anushka, a Bollywood stalwart, underscores the film's crossover appeal. Industry trackers noted a 15% spike in weekend bookings post their posts. Fans flooded social media, terming it a "public interest story" blending cinema and sports stardom.

Cultural Buzz

'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' has sparked discussions on long-format storytelling in Indian films. Sources indicated theatre chains extended runs due to demand. It marks Ranveer Singh's career high, with critics hailing his transformation.

Future Outlook

Producers eye international markets next, leveraging the endorsement. Dhar hinted at expanding the franchise. For Kohli and Anushka, their nod positions 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge' as trending news India watches. Expect more celebrity reactions as IPL 2026 heats up—this latest news today from India news update cements its blockbuster status.

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.