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Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut Sparks Comparisons to Virat Kohli

July 8, 2025, 8:01 am

Shubman Gill made a remarkable debut as India’s Test captain. He led by example with the bat, scoring a century in his first match in Leeds. Then, at Edgbaston, Gill delivered a stunning performance that could shape his legacy. He scored 269 runs in the first innings and followed it with 161 in the second, winning the Player of the Match award and helping India tie the series 1-1 against England.

Karthik Sees Shades of Kohli in Gill

Former India cricketer Dinesh Karthik praised Gill’s confidence and poise. He felt the young skipper reminded him of Virat Kohli, especially in the way he handled the pressure.

On Sky Cricket’s podcast, Karthik shared, “Athers, you spoke about Virat Kohli. I met him a few days ago, and this talk about captaincy came up.” Referring to Kohli’s words, Karthik said, “He said people think, ‘I’m a great Test cricketer. I enjoyed my Test batting, which I did, but the fact is that getting my captaincy was the best thing to happen in my life.’ Why I am saying this is that the same line was used by Shubman Gill.”

Gill Thinks Like a Leader

Karthik pointed out that Gill, like Kohli, has already begun thinking as a captain. He said that Gill isn’t just batting for himself anymore—he’s making decisions for the team’s success.

“Gill said ‘I used to bat differently, but now that I’ve got captaincy, I almost think this is what my team requires, rather than me wanting to do something individually as a batter,’” Karthik revealed. He added, “I said wow, this is something for which the world of cricket has to take notice.”

Skill, Mindset, and Leadership

Karthik, who once captained Gill at Kolkata Knight Riders, said Gill now has all the qualities needed in a great leader. “Here is a man who has the appetite, he’s got the skill, he’s got the technique, but now he’s got the mindset as well. I’m the captain, I’m going to lead from the front, lead off the front foot,” he added.

Focus Turns to Lord’s

Although Gill’s captaincy began with a massive 336-run win at Edgbaston, Karthik believes the journey has just begun. Gill now aims to continue this momentum in the next match at Lord’s, a historic ground where he hopes to leave a lasting mark.

Kohli, Anushka Spotted at Wimbledon as Novak Djokovic Shines Yet Again

July 7, 2025, 11:32 pm

Virat Kohli is present in London; therefore, it comes as no surprise that he chose to go to Wimbledon 2025. The Indian cricketing star batter, who retired from Tests this year, was also present at the Men’s Round of 16 match between Wimbledon finalist Novak Djokovic and Australia’s Alex de Minaur. Last year’s Wimbledon finalist Djokovic didn’t fail as he won the match despite losing the first round 1-6.

Test Retirement of Kohli Shocks Fans Before England Series

The world was waiting for Virat Kohli to join the tour of the UK for the five-match Indian-England series. But he shocked the world by deciding to retire from the longest version of the game just a few days prior to the announcement of the squad.

Kohli, who captured his first Indian Premier League (IPL) title in June 2025 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), went to London following the tournament to pass time with his family.

Rare Instagram Updates and Praise for Shubman Gill

Virat Kohli’s Instagram stories are few and far between, but we are relieved that he has begun posting updates about where he is. On Saturday, he had posted a story for India Test captain Shubman Gill, who was the toast of the town, thanks to his 430-run haul in the Edgbaston Test against England.

Only two days after, India’s most successful Test captain was sitting at the Centre Court, viewing the proceedings between Djokovic and de Minaur. Kohli watched the game with wife Anushka Sharma as the couple were seen in the stands, their best-dressed in formals.

Kohli Hails Djokovic’s Performance

“What a match. It was business as usual for the gladiator. @djokernole,” Kohli wrote on Instagram Stories.

Great victory for India at Edgbaston. Fearless and kept pushing England to the wall. Brilliantly led by Shubhman with the bat and in the field and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch. 👏🇮🇳 @ShubmanGill…

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 6, 2025

Talking of the game between Djokovic and de Minaur, the former took the competition 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. For the first time ever in his career, Djokovic lost the opening set at Wimbledon by a score of 6-1.

Joe Root, Roger Federer, and James Anderson were also present at the Round of 16 game.

Kohli Congratulates Team India After Edgbaston Win

After India’s emphatic 336-run win against England at Edgbaston, Virat Kohli took to X (formerly Twitter) to congratulate the team on a fantastic achievement.

He wrote, “Great victory for India at Edgbaston. Fearless and kept pushing England to the wall. Brilliantly led by Shubhman with the bat and in the field, and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch.”

Focus Shifts to ODIs as Virat Retires From Tests and T20Is

Kohli has now retired from Tests and T20Is as well. He will only play the 50-over game from now on, where he is the leading run-scorer of all time with most centuries.

His comeback to Team India jerseys has been postponed following the deferment of India’s tour to Bangladesh. He will now be spotted in the ODI series against Australia in October when India travel Down Under.

The right-handed batsman brought an end to his Test career having played 123 Tests. He had made 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

Virat Kohli Reacts to India’s Edgbaston Win, Praises Gill and Bowlers

July 7, 2025, 8:47 am

Virat Kohli may have retired from Test cricket, but his presence continues to hover over the India vs England series. In just two days, he posted two tweets that immediately got everyone’s attention.

His first post came on Day 4 and featured only Shubman Gill. It was short and refreshing. Until then, Kohli had completely disappeared from the spotlight. After appearing at Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s controversial victory parade, he went silent on social media—unlike captain Rohit Sharma, who remained active. Despite major moments in the series—five centuries at Leeds, a five-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah, and Gill’s double hundred at Edgbaston—Kohli said nothing.

Then came Saturday, and with it, a clear message that he was still watching. Though he no longer plays Test cricket, fans still say he is “omnipresent.”

Kohli’s Tweet After India’s Big Win Sounds Familiar

Kohli’s second tweet came after India defeated England by 336 runs at Edgbaston. This time, the post sounded like something a legendary retired player—perhaps Sachin Tendulkar or VVS Laxman—would share. Still, the post marked his return to cricket conversations.

In his tweet, Kohli wrote, “Great victory for India at Edgbaston. Fearless and kept pushing England to the wall. Brilliantly led by Shubman with the bat and in the field, and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch.”

This post got former England batter Jonathan Trott thinking. He wondered if Kohli’s words hinted at how much he missed the team environment. Trott told Sony Sports Network, “Coming back to Virat Kohli’s tweet, no wonder he misses that dressing room feeling. I sometimes wonder how quickly that feeling comes back after you give up the game.”

Trott also joked about Kohli’s location, saying, “Doesn’t he live in St. John’s Wood or nearby? Can he not be persuaded to come back?”

When someone pointed out that India’s No. 4 spot might be locked up thanks to Gill’s outstanding performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Trott smiled and said, “I’m sure he would have liked No. 5 or 3.”

Fans Wonder: Will Kohli Return to Test Cricket?

Many fans believe that Kohli might take back his retirement. Some even claim they “know” he will. But realistically, it seems unlikely.

Kohli officially retired from Test cricket on May 12 at the age of 36. His decision came after much thought. Still, fans joke that he “missed 900 runs and 3 easy centuries” by not playing in England, where Indian batters are scoring with ease.

However, Kohli’s recent form doesn’t support a return. In his last nine Test innings in Australia, he got out the same way each time—caught outside the off stump. There was no visible improvement. While he remains one of the all-time greats, time affects every player. As the article notes, “Father Time spares no one. It catches up to everybody. Even if your name is Virat Kohli.”

A Glorious Career Comes Full Circle

If media reports are correct, Kohli has fully stepped away from red-ball cricket. His focus now seems to be on his family—he has a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. After giving everything to Indian cricket, Kohli has nothing left to prove. His career includes two World Cups, two Champions Trophy titles, and now an IPL trophy. As the article puts it, “There’s no need to accelerate when the gears are jammed.”

But It’s Not Goodbye Yet

Even though his Test career is likely over, Kohli isn’t done with international cricket. He will continue playing ODIs. Although his return, originally expected in August, may be delayed, fans can expect to see him in the blue jersey again. He is set to play when India tours Australia later this year for a three-match ODI series.

Virat Kohli Hails Shubman Gill in First Public Message Since Retirement

July 5, 2025, 11:36 pm

Virat Kohli. What have you been doing all this while? Are you even watching Indian cricket at all? All this while, so many individual performances and not a single reaction? How is that possible? Rishabh Pant scored twin hundreds, Yashasvi Jaiswal carried on his resplendent run. The mercurial Jasprit Bumrah lit the Leeds Test ablaze with yet another five-wicket return, and who can possibly forget, Shubman Gill rewrote the history books and records in Edgbaston.

Kohli Resurfaces with a Heartwarming Tribute

All these queries are now a thing of the past. The ‘King’ of Indian cricket, who broke many hearts with his announcement of retirement from Test cricket has resurfaced on social media, with a post that will truly melt hearts. Kohli, who post IPL trophy win with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been miserably off the radar. Except for a couple of videos of him roaming the London streets, there was nothing about him. Yes, he did welcome some of the Indian cricket team members to his home but was out of public sight.

Historic Knock of Shubman Gill Moves Kohli

It took Shubman Gill and some unheard-of batting for even Kohli to open his mouth. He is in stunned awe of Gill’s performance in the current Edgbaston Test against England. India’s captain, who made 430 runs in aggregate during the second Test of the five-match series in order to propel the visitors to a strong position against England, continued from where he had stopped in the first innings. He had scored 269 runs, which were a record number of runs by an Indian batsman in the UK, and in the second innings, added on to it scoring another 161 runs off 162 deliveries to assist India in setting England a target of 608.

Kohli’s ‘Star Boy’ Praise for Shubman Gill

Kohli shared a picture of Gill on Instagram stories, dubbing the India Test captain “star boy”. “Well played, star boy. Rewriting history. Onwards and upwards from here. You deserve all of this,” Kohli wrote.

Entering the series against England, the spotlight was squarely on Gill. He had no centuries in SENA nations, and to top that, Gill had the responsibility of taking the side through transition in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin after their Test retirements. To add more pressure, Gill had the responsibility of batting at a spot which Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar made eternal. Batting at No.4 was massive.

Redemption After Headingley and Dominance at Edgbaston

But Gill made his intentions known from the first match of the series, hitting 147 runs in the first innings of the Headingley Test. But the century was a waste as India lost after England overhauled over 370 runs.

Gill played a loose shot in the first innings of the Headingley Test but learned his lesson as he went long in the Edgbaston match, scoring 269 runs during the first innings and supporting India to reach 587.

The right-handed batsman then prevented India from wasting the benefit of having the lead of 180 runs by scoring 161 runs in the second innings. Due to this endeavor, he now holds the second highest number of runs scored in a single Test, and that is next only to Graham Gooch.

Kohli’s Test Retirement and Career Recap

Virat Kohli had announced his retirement from Tests earlier this year. His statement came days before the England series squad reveal. He put up a long message on Instagram, officially announcing it.

During the England tour squad announcement, chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar announced that Kohli had called him in April 2025 to let him know of his plans to leave the longest format.

Kohli has played 123 Tests, aggregating 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

India’s Declaration and First Innings Advantage

Now, returning to the Edgbaston Test, India declared their second innings at 427/6, giving England a target of 608. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Rishabh Pant too recorded half-centuries for the visitors.

India achieved a lead of 180 runs in the first innings after Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket bag reduced England to 407.

Anushka and Virat Share Dreamy Moments in Romantic Dubai Ad

July 4, 2025, 3:33 pm

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, one of India’s most loved celebrity couples, appeared together in a new commercial. Anushka shared the video on Instagram this Friday, giving fans a sneak peek into their dreamy Dubai holiday.

Moments filled with love and adventure

In the three-minute-long ad, Anushka and Virat enjoyed a variety of romantic and fun activities. They lounged by the pool, shared meals, danced, parasailed, and even listened to music by a beach bonfire. Toward the end of the video, the couple witnessed a surprise marriage proposal in Dubai, adding an emotional touch.

At one point, Anushka impressed Virat by speaking in French. Virat responded with a cheesy but cute reply, leaving fans smiling.

While sharing the video, Anushka wrote, “From quaint bonfires to spontaneous moments by the beach, join Virat and I as we share highlights of our most memorable Dubai holiday. A destination we hold very close to our hearts, Dubai never ceases to surprise us and every trip has brought us some of our most cherished moments. Do you have special someone to surprise on your next Dubai holiday? #VisitDubai #Ad.”

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A post shared by AnushkaSharma1588 (@anushkasharma)

Fans Pour in the Love

As expected, the video captured hearts online. Fans flooded the comments with admiration. One person asked, “Why are they sooo perfect???” while another wrote, “Such a romantic couple. And it comes naturally to them.”

Comments like “Epitome of romanticism” and “We live vicariously through you guys” showed how deeply fans connect with them. Someone added, “Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli raising the standard since 2017.”

Several fans also expressed their wish to see Anushka back on screen. One user commented, “Kab hoga comeback?” referring to her absence from films since Zero in 2018.

Their Journey as a Couple

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma got married in a private ceremony in Italy on December 11, 2017. Their first child, Vamika, was born on January 11, 2021. In February 2024, they welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Akaay, though they kept the pregnancy private.

Last month, on Father’s Day, Anushka shared a sweet post for her dad and Virat. The Instagram post included a card made by Vamika that read:
“He looks like my brother. He is funny. He tickles me. I play makeup with him. I love him so much and he loves me this much (arms wide). Vamika.”

What’s Next for Anushka Sharma?

Fans will soon see Anushka in Chakda Xpress, a biopic based on the life of former Indian women’s cricket star Jhulan Goswami. The film will stream on Netflix India. However, the exact release date is yet to be announced.

Her last appearance on the big screen was in Zero (2018), alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. The film, directed by Aanand L Rai, was a comedy-drama.

Shubman Gill Hits Century at Edgbaston, Joins Kohli and Gavaskar in Elite Captaincy Club

July 2, 2025, 11:22 pm

India Test captain Shubman Gill marked his place in the history books again with a breathtaking unbeaten 114 on Day 1 of the second England Test at Edgbaston. With this century, his seventh overall in Test cricket and second in captaincy, Gill became part of a rare club of Indian legends who have scored hundreds in both their first two tests as captain’s something only Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli had managed before.

The 25-year-old completed the follow-up to his 147 in the first Test in Leeds with another masterclass at Birmingham, cementing his credentials as a leader and run-machine in the red-ball game. Gill’s century was achieved in challenging conditions after England chose to bowl first on cloudy days. India were 310/5 in 85 overs at the end of Day 1, with Gill and Ravindra Jadeja (41*) together at the crease, having laid a solid platform for the visitors.

A Record-Breaking Streak for Shubman Gill as Test Captain

Gill’s back-to-back centuries as captain have placed him alongside Indian cricket legends. Vijay Hazare struck 164* and 155 in his first two Tests as captain in 1951. Sunil Gavaskar followed suit with scores of 116 and 205 in his early days as skipper. Virat Kohli, the most recent before Gill, smashed 115, 141, and 147 in his first two Tests as leader during India’s 2014-15 Australia tour.

Gill’s knock at Edgbaston was also his first century at the venue, making him only the fifth Indian to score a Test hundred at this iconic ground. He joins the elite company of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja all of whom have left their mark at Edgbaston in previous tours.

Building the Innings Amid Early Setbacks

India’s top order had to weather a fiery English pace attack early on. KL Rahul departed for just 2, while Karun Nair contributed 31 before falling to Brydon Carse. Yashasvi Jaiswal provided early momentum with a fluent 87, but it was Gill who held the innings together with composure and patience.

The Indian skipper took 216 deliveries to get to 114*, showcasing his maturity in handling pressure and grinding out runs. He struck 12 boundaries in a knock that blended elegance with grit.

Rishabh Pant added a quick 25, while Nitish Reddy managed only a single before falling to Chris Woakes. Jadeja joined Gill at 211/5 and the pair steered India safely to stumps.

Shubman Gill Sets Stage for Day 2 Dominance

India will aim to build a massive first-innings total on Day 2 with Gill still unbeaten and looking in sublime form. With support from Jadeja and a deep batting lineup that includes Washington Sundar, the visitors have a strong chance to control the game early.

As captain, Shubman Gill continues to lead from the front, not just with strategies but with bat in hand a sign that Indian cricket’s future is in formidable hands.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Subtle Dig at Virat Kohli After Rahul, Jaiswal Shine

June 20, 2025, 9:22 pm

A Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin-less India made a good start in the current five-match series against England after India captain Rohit Sharma opted to bat first against Ben Stokes at Headingley, Leeds, in the first Test. India’s opening pair KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal combined caution with aggression to take England’s pace attack comprising Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Jos Tongue and Stokes on a tight leash. Watching from the commentary box, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar praised the duo’s disciplined approach against testing conditions.

Manjrekar Praises Rahul and Jaiswal, Takes Subtle Dig at Kohli

Ex-India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar lauded Rahul and Jaiswal for their restraint in not poking at balls that were being delivered outside the off-stump. But in the process, he took a dig at ex-India skipper Virat Kohli, who had hung up his Test boots in May 2025, just days before the announcement of the squad for the England series.

Talking about Kohli, the right-handed batsman was dismissed on all eight instances against Australia in the same manner as he continued to pursue deliveries on the fourth and fifth stump lines. This chink has actually bothered Kohli throughout his career, and in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, players like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Scott Boland actually capitalized upon it to the extent.

Rahul-Jaiswal Display Grit in Headingley Conditions

Talking about the Headingley Test, Rahul and Jaiswal were not looking nervous as the pair showed a clear game plan against England’s pace attack. Rahul and Jaiswal rode out the new ball during the first hour. But the pair were eager for loose balls.

“Deliveries outside the off stump, full, have been left alone. Jaiswal has done that. Anything that has been pitched right up into the stumps, he has driven. Anything that has been wide, he has looked to score on. KL Rahul has not touched one delivery or attempted to play one single delivery that’s been full, just outside off. Anything that has been wide, he has gone with a covered drive,” said Manjrekar while commentating in the first session on Day 1 of the first Test.

“So a lot of what you’re seeing is being created by these two batters, and my hat’s off to them. We know of a former batter who would have gone after that delivery and got himself into trouble. But not these two,” he added.

KL Rahul Falls After Strong Start; Sudharsan and Nair in Line-Up

It should be noted that Rahul’s dismissal finally arrived when he attempted to play a delivery that was well outside off. The right-hander attempted a massive booming drive and lost his wicket to Brydon Carse for 42.

India have given a debut to Sai Sudharsan in the first Test. The left-hander would bat at No.3. Karun Nair has also come back to the Test playing XI after eight years. He would bat at No.6.

Sanjay Manjrekar on India’s Young Batting Core

Sanjay Manjrekar added that this may be a young batting line-up, but all of the members selected in the playing XI possess good technique, which would benefit the team.

“That’s why I believe this is a young batting line-up. But when you look at their batting technique, they have the technique to survive in challenging test conditions. Sai Sudarshan as well. T20 Sensation will come and defend well. Down the order, Rishabh Pant has a good defence,” said Manjrekar.

“Jadeja as well. Karun Nair, I’m not sure how he’ll go. But these two have shown that, for openers, they’re just ideal with their defensive technique,” he added.

Earlier, England skipper Ben Stokes had won the toss and invited India to bat. The hosts are fielding with one spinner, Shoaib Bashir.

Anushka Shares Vamika’s Cute Father’s Day Letter for Virat Kohli | SEE HERE

June 15, 2025, 7:00 pm

On Father’s Day, Bollywood stars utilized social media to share sentimental tributes and rare moments with their fathers. Among them, actor Anushka Sharma posted a warm message, giving a glimpse into how her daughter Vamika spent the day with a lovely note for her father, cricketer Virat Kohli.

On Sunday, Anushka took to Instagram and shared a series of photos. One photo featured her dad lounging in a chair, listening to music using headphones. But the showstopper of the post was Vamika’s hand-written note to Virat, which said, “He looks like my brother. He is funny. He tickles me. I play make-up with him. I love him so much and he loves me this much (arms wide). Happy Father’s Day.”
The note was signed simply “Vamika.”

In addition to the photos, Anushka posted, “To the first man I ever loved and the first man our daughter did… Happy Father’s Day to all the beautiful fathers everywhere.”

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The post instantly won over fans’ hearts with many praising the cute message. “The way Vamika wrote her name,” a fan had something to say. Another said, “This is sooo cuteee,” while another had this to say, “Her writing, awwwww.” A standout comment was, “This has my whole heart,” and another had many of us thinking: “‘He looks like my brother’ omggg.”

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, two of India’s favorite celebrity couples, got married in 2017 in a small ceremony in Italy following a whirlwind romance. They had their daughter Vamika on January 11, 2021, and their son, Akaay, on February 15, 2024. The couple have always opted not to make their children public figures, keeping them private despite the public’s curiosity.

Although Anushka has been on a break from acting since her previous film, Zero (2018) opposite Shah Rukh Khan, she is all set to make her comeback in Chakda ‘Xpress, a biopic about cricketer Jhulan Goswami. The movie is pending release.

AB de Villiers Says Virat Kohli Gave Him Silent Treatment for Months—Here’s Why

June 15, 2025, 3:44 pm

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers revealed that Virat Kohli did not speak to him for several months, possibly due to a personal blunder. In a recent conversation with Cricket.com, de Villiers hinted that Kohli was upset after he accidentally shared news about Anushka Sharma’s pregnancy during a livestream last year.

At the time, de Villiers confirmed that the couple was expecting their second child, shortly after Kohli took a break from international cricket, opting out of India’s home Test series against England. However, he later admitted the news was incorrect. “I did have a bit of a footfall not too long ago when they were expecting their second child,” he said.

The Silence Breaks After IPL 2025 Triumph

Despite the misstep, de Villiers and Kohli recently reunited following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic first IPL title win earlier this month. The duo embraced after the final victory over Punjab Kings, marking a significant moment for the franchise’s long-time stalwarts.

De Villiers shared, “He’s been in touch with me over the last six months. Thank goodness! I was very relieved when he started talking to me again.”

Kohli Leaned on ABD During Tough Phase

The South African legend also revealed that Kohli sought his advice during a challenging period, coinciding with his retirement from Test cricket. “We all know he went through a bit of a patch and sort of wanted to bounce a few ideas off me,” de Villiers said.

He added that they spoke about how to navigate personal and professional struggles. “There are a lot of things that weigh on you, and so I shared with him from the heart… I’m happy he is still around playing cricket and that decision comes from the heart and I support him 100 per cent with that.”

Their recent camaraderie appears to have restored a cherished friendship that had gone cold, reminding fans of their iconic bond on and off the field.

Kohli-Rohit Era Fades: India’s England Tour Begins With a Loud, Empty Silence

June 7, 2025, 10:43 pm

For the first time since 2011, a Test team to England will not have either Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma in it. Both of these senior batters retired from the conventional form of the game last month, leaving the BCCI selectors with no choice but to select a new-look Indian team, with Shubman Gill as the skipper. Yet, their absence was palpable even as the Indian team arrived in London on Saturday, with no crowd or journalists at the airport.

Magnetic Pull of Virat Kohli: A Stark Contrast to the Present

From the airport to the practice ground, Adelaide had swarmed with fans and media when Kohli arrived with the Indian team for the tour of Australia in November last year. The 36-year-old, thought to be playing his last Test series in Australia, had made headlines even before the battle began. So intense was the hype that Indian team management had to organize a closed-door practice session, compelling spectators to jump over trees in order to steal a glance of the superstar.

No Buzz in London: Gill-Led Side Receives Quiet Welcome

But none was seen on Saturday in London after the Gill-led side landed for the five-match Test series, starting June 20. In a video that went viral on social media, Indian journalist Vimal Kumar said, “I did not get to see that hype. Not a single fan or media personnel was seen.”

While there were not many fans who believed the aura of Test cricket was lost with Kohli and Rohit retiring, some thought it was the “demise of Indian Test cricket.” But a few believed that the aura would be back with Gill making his bat do the talking.

Gill’s Response to the Kohli-Rohit Pressure Question

0 fans at the Airport for Indian Team
Aura of captain Gill. pic.twitter.com/uSMSCZmuvc

— jaiswalhype (@jaiswalhype19) June 7, 2025

The first question that Gill was questioned at the Mumbai press conference earlier this week prior to flying out to London, was the absence of Kohli and Rohit, and how it would put pressure on the young team. But the captain firmly brushed it aside by stating it was no different from any difficult situation they had encountered before.

“Pressure is always present in every tour. Certainly, two very experienced players who played for so long and won so many times, very hard to replace their space. But it’s not another type of pressure, all of us players are accustomed to it,” he mentioned during the pre-tour presser on Wednesday.

RCB Celebration Stampede: Cops Clarify on Complaint on Virat Kohli

June 7, 2025, 12:58 pm

A case has been filed against cricketer Virat Kohli at Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park Police Station in relation to the June 4 stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed the lives of 11 people and injured many others. Kohli, a prominent member of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team, has been charged by social activist HM Venkatesh with encouraging ‘gambling through IPL’, which according to him sparked the crowd and resulted in the tragedy.

Police Action on the Complaint

As far as the complaint is concerned, police sources made it clear that no FIR has been lodged against Kohli yet. Talking to news agency ANI, police officials stated that the complaint will be examined and processed in the context of the ongoing probe into the incident.

In his submission in writing, Venkatesh claimed, “Virat Kohli of Bangalore RCB team is the most visible among the people who joined in such gambling and encouraged people to meet at a particular spot and brought about this tragedy. Hence, we request you to kindly make Virat Kohli and members of his team accused in this tragedy FIR and take necessary action.”

The activist also asserted, “The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no sport but a betting that has tainted the game of cricket.”

Arrests Made in the Case

During the investigation, four persons, including senior RCB official Nikhil Sosale and three event managers, were arrested and committed to 14 days of judicial custody by a Bengaluru Sessions Court. They were arrested during a joint operation by Cubbon Park police and the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in the early morning hours on June 6 at Kempegowda International Airport.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court has granted interim protection to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officials, directing police not to initiate coercive steps against them until the next hearing on June 9. The relief was granted in a petition filed by KSCA President Raghu Ram Bhat, Secretary A Shankar, Treasurer ES Jairam, and others requesting the quashing of the FIR.

Legal Challenges and Police Action

Nikhil Sosale has also moved the court of Karnataka High Court, alleging his arrest was not supported by enough evidence and made without a pre-inquiry. He has sought a declaration of illegality in his arrest.

After the horrific stampede at RCB’s celebration event of IPL, Bengaluru police on Thursday registered an FIR against RCB franchise, DNA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and KSCA on serious charges of culpable homicide and illegal assembly.

The arrests were made under tight security and following mandatory medical screenings. The case has caused much attention after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed the arrest of RCB officials, event managers, and representatives of KSCA, citing that their ‘irresponsibility’ and ‘carelessness’ on prima facie grounds could be seen as evident.

Following the incident, some top police officials were suspended, among them being Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, Additional Commissioner Vikash Kumar Vikash, DCP (Central) Shekhar HT, ACP Balakrishna, and Cubbon Park Police Inspector Girish AK.

“Love Doesn’t Need Validation”: Bhawna Kohli Responds to Social Media Troll

June 6, 2025, 2:57 pm

After Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 victory, Virat Kohli’s sister, Bhawna Kohli Dhingra, celebrated her brother’s success with a heartfelt social media post. When a troll questioned her closeness to Virat and his wife Anushka Sharma, Bhawna responded with a powerful message about the many forms of love that don’t require public validation.

Amid the celebrations, the couple has also been dealing with a tragic stampede during the RCB victory event, while continuing to keep their family life private.

Bhawna Kohli Dhingra Celebrates Virat Kohli’s IPL Victory

Virat Kohli’s sister has recently addressed a troll who questioned her relationship with the star cricketer and his wife, Anushka Sharma. The controversy arose after Bhawna Kohli Dhingra posted on Instagram to celebrate Virat’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team winning the IPL 2025 trophy.

Bhawna shared a touching message alongside photos of Virat from the match, including some with Anushka Sharma. In her post, she wrote, “This night this moment where we celebrate this dream which made us cry which made us laugh but the wait that you did is far too long each and every second of the moment needs to be experienced with stillness and a strange calmness that it’s actually done 🙏🏻🧿All of us can’t express the humility and thankfulness towards almighty and millions of fans who were right behind RCB through thick and thin this win is everybody’s personal win .Your tears were felt in the eyes of everyone who loves you ,we cried with you because you my little Veeru are gods chosen one who brings so much joy and inspiration in everyone ,blessed to witness this and someone in heaven is smiling in his usual smile looking at his son making him proud .🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🧿🧿🧿🥰.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bhawna Kohli Dhingra (@bhawna_kohli_dhingra)

Troll Questions Bhawna’s Closeness to Virat and Anushka

Though many fans praised the post, one user commented with doubt about her closeness to Virat and Anushka, saying, “Y he never mentions u in any speech or even doesn’t like ur post. not even Anushka does.lol.”

Bhawna firmly responded, “May God give you the patience to understand that love can exist in many ways, which we don’t always show to the world, but it still exists—like the love we have for the Almighty. Hope you have enough love in your life, no insecurities, only true bonds which don’t need any validation. God bless you.”

Virat and Anushka’s Private Life Amid Recent Tragedy

Virat and Anushka have returned to Mumbai after the tragic stampede during RCB’s celebration in Bengaluru that resulted in 11 deaths and a dozen people injured. The couple tied the knot in 2017 after dating for several years and have two children, daughter Vamika, born in 2021, and son Akaay, born earlier this year. They continue to keep their personal life private.

Shubman Gill Breaks Silence on Kohli-Rohit Test Exit: ‘No Different Pressure’

June 5, 2025, 10:35 pm

Though the world will have to wait another fortnight to see a real glimpse of Shubman Gill as a captain in Test cricket, with the India superstar likely to become the youngest captain in the team in this century, during the Test series against England, the 25-year-old took the initial indication of his aggressive leadership when he spoke of the abrupt retirements of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of the tour.

Shocking Retirements Rock Indian Test Setup

Less than a month from the departure of the Indian team for the tour of England, Rohit made a sudden decision to retire from Test cricket through Instagram. Only five days later did Kohli do the same. The two consecutive announcements created a cloud of doubt around the efficacy of the Indian team, particularly prior to the serieous series with England.

Shubman Gill Dismisses Pressure Talk

But Gill firmly brushed aside suggestions of any pressure on the young Indian team without the two pillars, indicating it was similar to any challenging situation they had encountered in the past.

“Pressure is always there in every tour. Definitely, two very experienced players who played for such a long time and won so many times, very difficult to fill their space. But it is not a different kind of pressure, all of us players are used to it,” he said in the pre-tour presser on Wednesday.

India will have senior players in KL Rahul, comeback Karun Nair, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and of course, Jasprit Bumrah.

Vision of Shubman Gill for Captaincy

Shubman Gill also spoke candidly about what kind of captain he wished to be, stating that he wished to make his players feel safe throughout his time in office through communication.

“No particular style that I want to follow. I like communication with the players, making them feel secure. Making a bond with the players is very important for me as a captain. It is only when players are secure that they will give you their 100 percent,” he said.

England series is going to start on June 20 at Headingley.

Virat Kohli And Anushka Sharma’s Viral Moment Sparks Fan Theories After IPL 2025 Win | WATCH

June 5, 2025, 1:45 pm

Virat Kohli’s fans on Reddit tried to decipher what the cricketer said to Anushka Sharma after his IPL win.
Virat Kohli won the IPL 2025 final; he at last won the trophy he had longed for 18 years. The cricketer was then seen running towards his wife, Anushka Sharma, and their moment of emotional embrace has gone viral across social media. Virat and Anushka hugged, then the actress held his face as he said something to her. Fans are trying to decode what Virat said to Anushka Sharma after his win.

A fan shared Virat and Anushka’s clip on Reddit and asked, “Lip readers of this sub, what’s Virat saying to Anushka here? Please decipher.” Even though no one could clearly figure out what Virat Kohli whispered to Anushka Sharma after RCB’s big IPL win, fans on social media had a blast guessing. Some responses were funny, while others were heartfelt.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Lip readers of this sub what’s Virat saying to Anushka here please decipher
byu/SaltyShock7484 inBollyBlindsNGossip

One fan imagined him saying, “Let’s plan a trip to Varanasi this time,” while another suggested he said something like, “How about driving from Lucknow to Kanpur?” Someone brought up Virat’s old Instagram moment and joked, “Just clarifying—clearing my feed may have triggered an accidental interaction. No meaning behind it. Please don’t assume things. Thanks for understanding.”

One person sweetly wrote, “I was searching for you in the crowd the whole time.” Others went the humorous route. “Felt like I got shocked by 440 volts when you touched me,” one said. Another joked, “Now I can finally enjoy Ram ke chole bhature!” One fan claimed they only caught the word “amchur,” while another added, “You and amchur were all I could think of.” Someone celebrated with, “Finally won after 18 years!” And another guessed, “Don’t know about the rest, but the last word was definitely ‘ladoo’ 😂.”

Though no one could tell what Virat said to Anushka, fans adored their heartwarming moment. The couple later joined RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru, which sadly turned tragic after a stampede killed at least 11 fans and injured nearly 30. Virat and Anushka shared RCB’s official statement online to express their condolences.

Virat Kohli Reacts to RCB Celebration Stampede: ‘At a Loss for Words’

June 5, 2025, 11:26 am

Virat Kohli spoke with profound sadness after the deadly stampede at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium killed 11 individuals and left several injured during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL win celebration. Terming the tragedy heartbreaking, Kohli posted on Instagram, ‘At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted’, as he posted the statement made by the RCB franchise.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

The accident took place at the celebratory function of the team at their home stadium hours after they won their inaugural Indian Premier League title. RCB beat Punjab Kings in the final, played in Ahmedabad, with Rajat Patidar guiding the team to a record victory against Shreyas Iyer’s side.

The RCB franchise, in their official statement that was uploaded late on Wednesday, stated, “We are shocked and anguished by the unfortunate events that have surfaced through media reports of public gatherings across Bengaluru in expectation of the team’s arrival this afternoon. The safety and well-being of all people are of the highest priority for us. RCB is saddened by the tragic loss of lives and offer our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families.”

Initially, RCB had organized a bus parade from Vidhan Soudha to the stadium, a distance of about a kilometre. But on account of crowd control concerns, Bengaluru Police refused permission for the parade. They did permit the principal celebration at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, though.

In spite of all those precautions, the party went out of hand. Thousands of enthusiastic fans invaded the 32,000-capacity stadium, with many trying to climb trees, fences, and other structures to get in. The gate jamming led to a stampede that necessitated the shortening of the event.

Only a cursory speech by Kohli and Patidar was possible before the situation became too risky. The pair managed a lap of honour with the trophy, but a full-scale public celebration was ruled out in the aftermath of the tragedy.

RCB’s long-awaited championship win, which was supposed to be a celebratory occasion for the franchise and the fans, was overshadowed by the loss of life.

Kohli And Shastri Reunite In Tears As RCB Lifts First IPL Trophy | Watch

June 4, 2025, 3:32 pm

Virat Kohli could be seen in tears after finally winning the esteemed IPL trophy after 18 years with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Tuesday night. Despite struggling to win in the past seasons and facing defeat multiple times in the finals, RCB seemed confident and clinched a dramatic six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Just as the match ended, Kohli dropped to his knees and was quickly surrounded by his teammates. However, in one of the most touching moments of the night, Kohli ran and jumped into the arms of former India head coach Ravi Shastri. Kohli hugged Shastri warmly, he was relieved that he had finally won. Kohli and Shastri had formed a close bond while leading Team India together from 2017 to 2021.

A video of Kohli and Shastri embracing quickly went viral online, showing just how much the victory meant to them both. Shastri even gently patted Kohli on the head during the moment.

From wild boy to wise man and Ravi Shastri witnessed it all In that hug, years of rage, love, scars and sacrifice melted
That wasn’t just Virat Kohli hugging his coach that was a son returning home finally whole🤍 pic.twitter.com/183OHbMSVp

— Ria𐙚 (@dreamyloom) June 3, 2025

Speaking after the match, Kohli said the win was for both the team and the fans. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given RCB everything—my youth, my best years. To finally lift the trophy feels unreal,” he told Matthew Hayden.

Kohli, who joined RCB in 2008 as a young star fresh off his U-19 World Cup win, had played in three losing IPL finals before. This time, his steady knock of 43 off 35 balls helped push RCB to a defendable total of 190/9. Despite a strong late effort by PBKS, they fell short at 184/7. “I didn’t think this day would come,” Kohli admitted. “It’s a dream come true. I gave it everything I had.”

Fans were overjoyed as RCB, and especially Virat Kohli, finally lifted the trophy, fulfilling an 18-year-long dream.

Kohli Wins First IPL Trophy: What Changed After His Visit To Vrindavan?

June 4, 2025, 12:03 pm

In the quiet town of Vrindavan, where chants echo through temple corridors and saffron-clad devotees move in rhythm with the divine, a world-class cricketer and a Bollywood icon sought something beyond fame, trophies, and headlines—peace. Just months ago, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma sat humbly at the feet of Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj.

Now, as Kohli finally lifts his maiden IPL trophy after 18 years of relentless pursuit, many are wondering, Was it just his unwavering hard work, or did spirituality play a silent, powerful role in this long-awaited triumph?

Athletes, by nature, live a life of great stress; in fact, their results are often unpredictable and uncertain. Consequently, top athletes around the world experience the highest highs and, at the same time, endure the lowest lows. However, in these tough times, most athletes turn to spirituality to cope with their low phases and highly affected mental health.

Kohli Visited Premanand Maharaj After Retirement From Tests

After Kohli retired from tests, there was a lot of speculation regarding his mental health and the BCCI’s politics behind this sudden decision of his. Shortly after this announcement, he visited Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj in Vrindavan with his wife, Anushka. The couple sought spiritual solace from Maharaj.

It was reported that Maharaj asked Kohli, “Prasanna ho? (Are you happy?)”, to which Kohli replied, “Ji, abhi thik hain (Yes, I’m okay)”. A change in Kohli’s temperament can be seen on and off the field. He was earlier extremely aggressive on the field, and even once jokingly remarked that he did not “look the pooja-path types. However, after his marriage, Anushka turned him towards spirituality as a way to cope when he wasn’t performing as well and was under a lot of media pressure. Since then, he hasn’t looked back and has followed the path of spirituality, showing its positive effect in his performance and demeanor.

Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma से पूज्य महाराज जी की क्या वार्तालाप हुई ? Bhajan Marg pic.twitter.com/7IWWjIfJHB

— Bhajan Marg (@RadhaKeliKunj) May 13, 2025

Global Athletes Who Turned To Spirituality

Other global athletes have also turned towards spirituality and credit their performance to God and their belief in him.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is one such athlete who has a strong Christian faith, and spirituality is an important aspect of his life and career. Messi attributes his talent and success to God. He publicly expresses his faith through his tattoos and even has a tattoo of Jesus Christ.

Stephen Curry

Renowned NBA player Stephen Curry expresses how his faith guides him on and off the court and how it has helped him cope with his struggles. Stephen gave his life to Christ in eighth grade and considers it a life-changing moment. He emphasises that he has a personal relationship with God and attributes all his success to it.

“I Gave RCB My Youth and Prime”: Virat Kohli Breaks Down After Maiden IPL Title Win

June 4, 2025, 2:06 am

You cannot pen such scripts. Within a space of one year, Virat Kohli has done it all in cricket. Last year at this time, he had won the T20 World Cup, a couple of months ago the Champions Trophy and tonight the IPL title finally. For a guy who has been with the RCB for nearly two decades and has witnessed everything the euphoria and the heartbreaks it was only natural for Kohli to cry. But the words that he spoke afterwards emphasized the actual scale of the victory.

From a Teenager to an Icon: The Rise of Virat Kohli

Kohli began with this team during its inaugural year. In 2008, Kohli was not even 18 years old. From starting his career as a teenager to leading the team and now becoming world cricket’s legend, Kohli has finally tasted the success of winning the IPL. Even as he wiped away his tears of happiness. Even while he was reveling in one of the biggest victories in his career with his better half, Anushka Sharma. He met his best friend AB de Villiers and the Universe Boss Chris Gayle again, it was when he spoke about it that it all fell into place.

Virat Kohli Opens His Heart

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled,” Kohli said after the win.

“It’s right up there, if I have to be honest. As I said, I’ve given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I’ve had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them. And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.

One Franchise, One Man

Several years ago, Kohli was asked whether he would ever feature for an IPL team other than RCB. After all, even the best have changed teams. Rohit Sharma, who is the sole player to have six IPL titles, began with the Deccan Chargers and then turned legend with the Mumbai Indians. MS Dhoni also had to be linked to the Rising Pune Supergiant when Chennai Super Kings were suspended for two years. Heck, even De Villiers was with Delhi Capitals when they were the Daredevils. But the one individual who remained with RCB, with one franchise for life, through highs and lows, never second-guessing, is Kohli.

Dream Realised, Peace Attained

“And as I said, this is the team I’m going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL. So this one is absolutely right up there because you know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high-intensity, high-quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. And I’m someone who wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. And tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby,” he added.

Virat Kohli Hugs Anushka Sharma After Historic IPL Win, RCB Lift Trophy After 18 Years | Watch

June 4, 2025, 12:40 am

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has done the unthinkable, and after 18 years of wait, the franchise won its first IPL title. In a close finish against the Punjab Kings, the RCB team remained calm and defended 191 runs thanks to some outstanding bowling with senior statesman Virat Kohli playing a pivotal role in guiding the team with his experience and intensity.

Virat Kohli gets emotional with Anushka

Even with a late charge from Shashank Singh, Punjab Kings managed to fall short as RCB won the title which had evaded them ever since the league began. Post-match, Virat Kohli couldn’t hold back tears as he donated his blood, sweat and loyalty towards the franchise.

He hugged his close buddy, AB De Villiers, warmly, and then the time came when Virat Kohli ran to hug his wife, Anushka Sharma, warmly. The RCB legend had tears in his eyes when Anushka comforted him after what he had done. It was a sentimental moment for Kohli because after trolling him for 18 years, the franchise won the league.

Everyone is looking at him and he’s just looking at her embracing his world in his arms🥹🧿❤️#ViratKohli #anushkasharma #virushka pic.twitter.com/aeuRptxE35

— s (@yaayerhs) June 3, 2025

In another gesture even more endearing, Virat Kohli kissed Anushka on the forehead following the warm hug a tender moment that would never be forgotten, one which encapsulated all the years of work, scrutiny, and faith so beautifully.

RCB bowlers win it all for them

190 on a spongy pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium was never going to be easy to defend, however, the RCB bowlers strangled the Punjab batsmen during the power-play. Then came in Krunal Pandya who turned the tables and ended with figures of 2/17 in 4 overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood then shut the scoring as PBKS had too much to target in the final 5 overs and they lost the match by 6 runs. RCB have now joined SRH, GT and RR as the side with a single IPL trophy.

This winning of the title is a historical day for RCB and its supporters a day when loyalty, perseverance, and trust at last bore fruit.

Kohli Breaks Down as RCB Finally Clinch First IPL Trophy | Watch

June 3, 2025, 11:38 pm

In a night packed with emotion, grit, and history, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy after 18 long years, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad by 6 runs. The victory not only ended the team’s title drought but also marked a poetic conclusion to Virat Kohli’s unwavering loyalty and sacrifice for the franchise.

Kohli’s Sacrifice Pays Off

While Rajat Patidar captained the team to win on the field, everyone looked towards Virat Kohli, the icon of RCB for more than a decade. Kohli retired as captain in 2021 but never deserted the side, featuring in every season with unparalleled devotion.

The tears say it all 🥹

An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐎𝐅 #𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐏𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 🏆🤩

The ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU have done it for the first time ❤#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/x4rGdcNavS

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

Team-mates and fans alike rejoiced not only the victory, but the person behind the long wait.

RCB’s Long Road to IPL Glory Ends in 2025

Kohli made a match-winning 72 from 43 deliveries in the final, stabilizing the chase and laying the platform for a silky finish. Tearful Virat Kohli waited for this my whole career and gave everything for this badge, and tonight, it all feels worth it.

After 18 years of close calls, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in 2025 to win their first IPL trophy. This historic victory was largely due to Virat Kohli’s pivotal innings and unwavering commitment, which rewarded his years of sacrifice and devotion to the team. With this win, RCB’s protracted quest for IPL glory came to an end, ushering in a new era.

Fans Erupt Across the Country

The atmospheres at Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium, where thousands flocked to watch the final on large screens, were charged to the brim. Fireworks illuminated the sky as the crowds chanted “RCB! RCB!” for hours.

Twitter was filled with obituaries for Kohli. Cricketers, celebrities, and fans recognized the legacy of a man who gave his best years to a franchise that finally repaid his trust.

With this victory, RCB not only loses the underachiever tag but enters a new phase of belief and pride. For Kohli, it was not merely a title – it was vindication.

RCB Are IPL 2025 Champions: Kohli’s Dream Finally Comes True

June 3, 2025, 11:24 pm

Ending 17 seasons of misery, close calls, and regrouping, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally got their hands on the priceless Indian Premier League trophy. In a see-saw, nail-biting IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Bengaluru showed nerves of steel to beat Punjab Kings (PBKS), securing their first-ever IPL title before a record crowd.

Long Wait Ends in Glory for Bengaluru

It was something the RCB supporters had longed for years and when it finally happened, it did with drama, emotion, and redemption. Steered by a determined Rajat Patidar and tactically led by head coach Andy Flower, RCB’s balanced team performed when it was most needed.

RCB’s victory signals the end of a 17-year dry spell that has gone down in IPL folklore. The franchise, frequently laughed at for their failure to lift titles despite star-studded lineups, was able to turn a different page in 2025.

Everyone’s eyes were on Virat Kohli as he went out to bat in yet another IPL final his fourth in total. Being present for all of RCB’s earlier failed finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), hopes were through the roof.

Kohli opted for the conservative route in the season’s biggest game, making 43 runs off 35 deliveries. In a tricky wicket, his innings helped stabilize the RCB innings but was criticized for its lack of intent in the middle overs particularly after a good Powerplay start.

Kohli was then eventually removed by Azmatullah Omarzai, attempting to push, but pressure had accumulated by that time. Still, his play did provide a platform for others to work on.

Important Contributions in RCB’s Innings

RCB’s 190/9 was founded on big contributions along the batting order. Rajat Patidar (26 from 16 balls), Livingstone (25 from 15 balls), and Jitesh Sharma (24 from 10 balls) all contributed significantly, helping RCB put up a tough score. Despite a sluggish start and losing wickets at frequent intervals, RCB’s batsmen were able to keep going through in the later stages, with Romario Shepherd contributing a fiery 17 off 9 balls.

Punjab Kings Battle hard, but Lose out

Punjab Kings’ pursuit of 191 hit a roadblock despite a gritty battle by Shashank Singh, the top-scorer with 61* from 30 balls. Support from Josh Inglis (39 from 23 balls) and Prabhsimran Singh (26 from 22 balls) kept Punjab in contention, but they lost by a narrow 6 runs.

RCB’s bowlers, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 wickets for 38 runs) and Krunal Pandya (2 wickets for 17 runs) at the forefront, applied pressure on Punjab right through the innings. Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Romario Shepherd too brought crucial breakthroughs at crucial moments to stop Punjab from making further inroads, as RCB managed to grasp the nail-biting win.

RCB’s Bowling Attack Shines

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Romario Shepherd were the pillars in dismantling Punjab’s partnerships. Holding key wickets and disciplined overs in the middle, they kept Punjab’s pursuit under control and ended up winning the game for RCB.

In a nail-biting last that had the audience in suspense until the end, RCB’s heart-stopping win will long be remembered as they finally won the IPL crown, ending 17 years of heartache.

IPL 2025 Final: Sunil Gavaskar Slams Umpires for Ignoring Virat Kohli’s Dangerous Pitch Act

June 3, 2025, 9:54 pm

In the high-voltage IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar strongly criticised the on-field umpires. He slammed them for ignoring what he described as “a dangerous act” by Virat Kohli.

The incident took place during the 12th over of RCB’s innings. Kohli completed a quick second run off Yuzvendra Chahal’s bowling. However, while doing so, he ran straight down the centre of the pitch.

Gavaskar, who was on live commentary at the time, openly questioned the lack of action. He argued that such running could potentially damage the pitch. This, in turn, could affect conditions for the team batting second.

RCB Post 190/9 in 20 Overs in IPL 2025 Final

RCB were left to bat by PBKS at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. With boundaries elusive, Kohli was keen to keep the scoreboard moving through singles and twos in a hurry. In the 12th over, having pushed the ball past long-on, Kohli asked for a second run. His batting partner, Liam Livingstone, safely grounded with a dive at the non-striker’s end.

However, Gavaskar was quick to point out that Kohli had run straight down the pitch, which is typically frowned upon due to the potential damage it can cause to the playing surface. “Kohli is a swift runner between the wickets. As soon as he hit the ball, he knew it was two,” Gavaskar said. “No umpire will ever tell him. There he is, running straight down the pitch again. Punjab Kings are batting second,” he added.

RCB was finally able to muster a challenging score of 190/9 in their 20 overs, leaving their bowlers something to hold on to in this high-impact encounter in the 2025 IPL Final.

Though the umpires refrained from stepping in, Gavaskar’s comments have initiated discussion on if big players ever get away with these things.

Conservative Kohli Approach Draws Reactions

Besides the pitch controversy, Kohli’s batting strategy also came under criticism. Famous for his high strike rate this season about 150 he adopted a more prudent path in the final. Rather than taking risks and smashing those big shots, he aimed at rotating the strike and giving more opportunities to power-hitters such as Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar.

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden, who was part of the English broadcast team, questioned the approach. “200 is just a par score here,” he noted, suggesting Kohli should’ve been more aggressive.

Kohli then got out in the 15th over to Azmatullah Omarzai after scoring 43 off 35 balls. At the first strategic time-out, RCB coaches Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik were noticed having a heated discussion with Kohli, probably asking him to pick up the pace of scoring.

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first. Both sides were unchanged for the final.

IPL 2025 Final: Virat Kohli Breaks Shikhar Dhawan’s Record for Most Fours in IPL History

June 3, 2025, 9:25 pm

Virat Kohli has set a milestone in the IPL 2025 final between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore by overtaking Shikhar Dhawan’s record for most fours in the history of the IPL. In the match being played at Punjab Kings’ home stadium, Kohli has hit 769 fours in his IPL career, overtaking Dhawan’s previous mark of 768 fours.

Milestone Achieved Early in the Game by Virat Kohli

The milestone was achieved early in the game after Punjab Kings opted to field having won the toss. Kohli, who has been the pillar of IPL from its very beginning, achieved this milestone in the 258th innings of his career, whereas Dhawan had achieved it in 221 innings.

The record-breaking one came when Kohli struck his match’s first boundary, adding another milestone to his long list of IPL records. The achievement places him atop the list of the most fours in the history of the IPL.

All-Time IPL Fours Rankings

In the most fours in IPL overall standings, David Warner is at number three with 663 fours in 184 games. Rohit Sharma is fourth with 640 fours in 272 games, with Ajinkya Rahane completing the top five list with 514 fours in 172 games.

Title Quest Continues for Virat Kohli

In spite of all these individual records, Kohli’s quest for an IPL title still goes on, as it is the sole prominent title that has so far escaped him in his illustrious career in IPL.

The consistency of Kohli in his performances in the IPL is evident through his capability to sustain high scoring rates over several seasons. His record of 769 fours across 267 matches shows his longevity and success in the tournament.

The achievement also solidifies Kohli’s status as a top-performing batsman in the history of IPL, with his record-breaking innings crossing seasons and still breaking new records within the tournament.

Will Cricket Australia Finally Bring Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma to the BBL?

June 3, 2025, 8:38 pm

Cricket Australia CEO, Todd Greenberg, wants Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing in the BBL to secure Cricket Australia’s future. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, having retired from T20Is and Tests, are expected to tour Bangladesh in August and then Australia in October for a three-match ODI series.

Virat And Rohit’s Retirement

With speculation that they might retire after the 2027 ODI World Cup, Cricket Australia is planning a special farewell during their possible last visit to Australia. CEO Todd Greenberg said they want to honour the duo for their massive contribution to the sport.

Cricket Australia CEO On Indian Players In BBL

Greenberg also expressed interest in seeing Kohli and Rohit play in the Big Bash League (BBL), although current BCCI rules prevent Indian players from participating in overseas leagues unless they end ties with the board.

Greenberg said Cricket Australia will continue discussions with the BCCI and hopes that Indian cricketers might one day feature in the BBL. Todd Greenberg emphasised that including Indian stars like Kohli would boost interest and viewership and that adapting to global trends in T20 leagues is essential for the future of Australian cricket.

International leagues are becoming more interested despite the BCCI’s strong position. Every league wants to gain traction, and they are aware that showcasing elite Indian talent will increase their appeal on a global scale. The IPL, PSL, and SA20 are just a few of the franchise leagues that have fiercely competed with the BBL.

In addition to drawing huge Indian audiences, bringing in legendary players like Kohli and Sharma would give young Australian athletes the chance to pick up tips from more seasoned players.

Virat Kohli Nearly Gets Caked by RCB Teammate During Celebration | Watch

June 2, 2025, 9:01 pm

Even the fondness of physio Shankar Basu, Patidar was not left untouched. Even Jitesh had to ‘savor’ some cake on his face. Amidst all this, Liam Livingstone, accompanied by Virat Kohli, requested Jitesh Sharma to put some cake on the face of the erstwhile RCB skipper. Anushka Sharma watched as the request was being placed. But Jitesh Sharma rejected the request with folded hands.

Dinesh Karthik Lauds Coaching Staff’s Role in Player Development

Before Royal Challengers Bengaluru played the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings, batting coach Dinesh Karthik feels the coaching staff, headed by Andy Flower, has gotten the procedure right in making players better cricketers while they are playing their stint.

𝗔𝗻 𝗮𝗯𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁! 😂🎂

DK and Rajat’s birthday celebrations started sweet, but ended in a cake crime scene. 🤣

Enjoy, this is @bigbasket_com presents RCB Bold Diaries. 🎥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/TgfFkVOxl4

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 2, 2025

RCB Eyes First Title in Fourth Final Appearance

By Tuesday, RCB will be contesting an IPL final for the fourth time at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, having been runners-up in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 seasons. They face PBKS, who are contesting an IPL final for only the second time.

Motivation, Consistency and Growth: Karthik Breaks Down the RCB Strategy

PBKS and RCB had finished in first and second spots in the league stage, with the latter winning over the former in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. “When you have a team doing well like we did in the first half, you’re almost assured of playing the same 12 for most games unless there’s an injury. So you have a group of players, at least eight to ten, who know they might not start or play in that game.

“Keeping their motivation levels up, keeping them hungry, and making sure that when the opportunity comes, they’re ready for it is one of the biggest challenges. I must admit, Andy and the group have tried really hard, and they have nailed the process which has kept players not only hungry but also improving.

“Because when they improve, they feel they’ll get back better cricketers, either for the domestic sides or for the international sides. That has been a feature of what we’ve tried to achieve in this short two-month period. I would like to think, and this is feedback only the players can give, that we have genuinely made them slightly better than where they were when we came in,” said Karthik in a video posted by the franchise on their YouTube account on Monday.

RCB Moves Closer to IPL Trophy After Smashing Victory Over PBKS in Qualifier 1

May 30, 2025, 1:14 pm

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a smashing bowling performance and crushed Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, moving one step closer to the finals. Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma’s bowling alongwith Virat Kohli’s leadership and passion, RCB secured a record-short playoff innings win. Their dominant game and growing momentum set the stage for a thrilling final in Ahmedabad on June 6.

Hazlewood & Suyash Bowling Attack

RCB ruled the match with the ball, dismissing the PBKS batting order within 14.1 overs, which is a record for the shortest batting innings in playoff history. Josh Hazlewood, who just returned from injury, had a massive impact by sending Shreyas Iyer, Josh Inglis, and Azmatullah Omarzai back to the pavilion. Suyash Sharma finally hit something after a string of mediocre performances after taking three big wickets from the Kings’ middle order.

It was smooth sailing for RCB’s batsmen chasing a low score, but they didn’t slow down. Phil Salt hit an impressive 56 off 27 balls, with the captain Rajat Patidar finishing it off with a long six.

Virat Kohli: The Heartbeat of RCB

Virat Kohli proved once again why he might be the greatest to play the sport after his resilience and longevity in the game. He is RCB’s leading run scorer this season as he seamlessly leads RCB without even wearing the captain’s armband. Kohli left it all on the field as the Challengers’ bowling attack continued to test the King’s batsmen.

Virat Kohli showed pure raw aggression and emotion on his face. He was the tactical mastermind behind RCB’s successful bowling innings, he showed that RCB had a special place in his heart as he repeatedly kept thumping the badge and celebrating every wicket with the fans.

RCB will now fight to break the record on June 6 in Ahmedabad and finally get their hands on the IPL trophy. The Punjab Kings will play the winner of the match between the Mumbai Indians and the Gujarat Titans to seal the final place in the IPL 2025 final.

Virat Kohli Hits 9,000 IPL Runs, Rewrites History for RCB

May 27, 2025, 10:33 pm

In a record feat, Virat Kohli has crossed 9,000 IPL runs, solidifying his position as one of the all-time greats in the history of the tournament. The feat came in Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2025, reasserting Kohli’s supremacy in red and gold.

Journey of Virat Kohli with RCB

Since his arrival in the IPL during 2008, Kohli has been the pillar of RCB’s batting department. With a haul of 8,579 runs and still counting for the team in the IPL, and another 424 runs in the defunct Champions League T20, Kohli remains the supreme champion, both on and off the field, as a player as well as a leader for his team. His reliability and determination on the ground have earned him a favorite among fans, and his play on May 27, 2025, was testament to his unwavering dedication to the game.

Impact on RCB’s Legacy

Kohli’s remarkable journey in the IPL has spanned almost two decades, during which he has not only amassed runs but also helped shape the identity of RCB. His contributions to the franchise have been invaluable, guiding them to multiple playoffs and consistently leading the charge with the bat. His ability to adapt to different match situations, combined with his unshakable confidence, has made him a pivotal figure in the IPL.

A Milestone in The Career of Virat Kohli

This landmark is yet another impressive milestone in Kohli’s remarkable career. In his RCB career, he has set many records, and his score of 9,000 runs further cements his position among the all-time greats of the IPL. His love for the game and dedication to his franchise only continue to motivate millions of fans across the globe, as he remains the face of RCB’s cricketing legacy.

RCB’s Quest for the IPL Title

Kohli’s milestone is especially meaningful as it comes at a time when RCB is in strong contention for the 2025 IPL playoffs. The team’s journey under Kohli’s leadership is one that resonates with resilience, hard work, and undying loyalty to the franchise. With the continued support of his teammates and fans, Kohli is expected to further enhance his legacy in the upcoming matches.

As RCB looks to secure its first IPL title, Virat Kohli’s performance and leadership remain at the heart of their campaign. His ability to inspire and deliver under pressure makes him a true king in the world of IPL cricket.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli Visit Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya | Watch

May 25, 2025, 2:01 pm

Actor Anushka Sharma and her husband, cricketer Virat Kohli, recently made a spiritual stop at the Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya. The couple visited the sacred site to pray and seek blessings, drawing attention from fans and devotees alike.

Couple Offers Prayers at the Temple

Photos and videos of the visit quickly went viral on social media, showing the couple offering prayers inside the temple. Anushka, wearing a mauve traditional suit and covering her head with a dupatta, stood beside Virat, who was dressed in a cream-colored ethnic outfit. Both stood respectfully with their hands folded and bowed their heads in devotion.

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli, along with his wife and actor Anushka Sharma, visited and offered prayers at Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya. pic.twitter.com/pJAGntObsE

— ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2025

Warm Welcome from Temple Priests

Temple priests welcomed the couple with great warmth. They honored Anushka and Virat with garlands and shawls as a mark of respect. The peaceful and spiritual atmosphere at the temple made their visit even more special.

Mahant Praises Their Spiritual Devotion

Sanjay Das Ji Maharaj, the head priest of the Hanuman Garhi temple, spoke about the couple’s deep spiritual interest. While talking to ANI, he said: “Virat Kohli ji and Anushka Sharma ji have a strong attachment towards spirituality, culture, God, and Sanatana Dharma. They had darshan of Bhagwan Ramlala and then took blessings from Hanuman ji.”

Spiritual Journey Continues After Vrindavan Visit

Before their trip to Ayodhya, the couple had also visited Vrindavan, where they met Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj, a respected spiritual leader. This visit happened shortly after Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket.

During their time in Vrindavan, Anushka and Virat took part in a meaningful discussion about faith, peace of mind, and devotion. The spiritual teacher asked Virat a personal question about his happiness and explained how chanting God’s name can bring inner peace and help people grow spiritually.

Anushka Seen Supporting Virat at IPL Match

Just a few days later, on May 23, Anushka was seen in Lucknow, cheering for Virat Kohli during an IPL match. She supported his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as they played against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

‘Only 21 Days Together’: Anushka Sharma on Balancing Work & Marriage with Virat Kohli

May 19, 2025, 7:22 pm

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli were recently spotted at Vrindavan as the legendary cricketer recently retired from Test Cricket. The couple finally seemed to have caught a break from their busy schedules, as Anushkha earlier revealed how the celebrity couple only spent 21 days together in the first 6 months of their marriage.

Anushka Sharma revealed the emotional and logistical challenges of the relationship, “In fact, during the first six months of our marriage, we spent 21 days together. Yes, I calculated. So when I visit him overseas, it’s to squeeze that one meal together. It’s precious time for us. People assume when I’m visiting Virat or when he is visiting me that it’s a holiday, but it’s not. One person is always working.”

Anuksha had also opened up about back-to-back film commitments and feeling burnt out after the shooting of her movie ‘Zero’ with Shah Rukh Khan, and how she purposefully took time off movies to avoid stress, “I wanted to take a couple of months off after Zero. After I got married, it was like a whirlwind. I was back on the sets shooting for Sui Dhaaga and later Zero. I was just working back-to-back. Whatever time I got, I’d try to balance and meet Virat. But I was feeling too worked up. I told my team I don’t even want to read anything right now.”

This trip for the couple serves as a much-needed break from the hassle of tight schedules and international trips, as they were seen enjoying their time in Vrindavan, visiting Premanand Maharaj, offering the couple a much-deserved time off together.