Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their dream IPL 2026 campaign with a dominant victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The Bengaluru-based franchise delivered a complete performance under pressure, outplaying Gujarat with both bat and ball to move one step closer to another IPL title.
However, beyond the on-field celebrations and playoff success, one emotional moment after the game quickly became the biggest talking point among fans. Shortly after the match ended, Virat Kohli was seen heading toward the stands where Anushka Sharma was present, leading to a wholesome interaction that instantly went viral across social media platforms.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s celebration wins hearts
Soon after Gujarat Titans were bowled out, Kohli made his way directly toward the VIP section of the stadium where Anushka was watching the match. The former RCB captain crossed the boundary rope before warmly hugging his wife as the two celebrated Bengaluru’s qualification for yet another IPL final.
Videos of the celebration spread rapidly online, with fans calling it one of the most emotional moments of the playoffs so far. Kohli also briefly interacted with Ananya Birla after the celebrations, adding to the post-match scenes around the RCB camp.
Here’s the video:
Beside every strong man, there is a strong woman🥹🫶🏻#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma pic.twitter.com/jSg5uz08E8
— 𝙒𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙣🥂 (@wrognxvirat) May 26, 2026
RCB deliver statement performance in Qualifier 1
RCB’s road to the final was powered by a stunning batting effort led by skipper Rajat Patidar, who produced a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries. Valuable contributions from Devdutt Padikkal and Krunal Pandya helped Bengaluru pile up a massive 254/5 in 20 overs, the highest total ever recorded in IPL playoff history.
In reply, Gujarat Titans never managed to recover from early setbacks. Jos Buttler’s little cameo of 29 from 11 balls and Rahul Tewatia scoring 68 off 43, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack ensured the chase never gained momentum.
Virat Kohli leading from the front in IPL 2026
Kohli has once again been central to RCB’s success this season. The veteran batter has already crossed the 600-run mark in IPL 2026 and continues to bring unmatched intensity to every game as Bengaluru chase another title-winning campaign.
After finally ending their long wait for an IPL trophy last season, RCB now stand just one win away from achieving something only a few teams in tournament history have managed, successfully defending the title.
