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As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 heats up, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are gearing up for their crucial upcoming match against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, May 23. In a refreshing off-field moment, star cricketer Virat Kohli was spotted enjoying a lively game of pickleball alongside his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, and several RCB teammates and staff members. This casual yet spirited gathering offered a glimpse of the camaraderie and team spirit fueling RCB’s campaign this season.
The pickleball session took place as a part of RCB’s pre-match activities, featuring not only Virat Kohli and Anushka but also the team’s batting coach and mentor, Dinesh Karthik, and his wife, renowned squash player Dipika Pallikal. Virat Kohli was seen in a comfortable blue oversized t-shirt and shorts, blending sportiness with casual flair, while the others were decked out in appropriate sports gear. The group appeared relaxed and joyous, thoroughly enjoying the game, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, known for its fast pace and fun engagement.
RCB’s official Instagram page shared moments from this lively gathering, also showing pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, head coach Andy Flower, director of cricket Mo Bobat, and all-rounder Romario Shepherd participating in the friendly match. The images and videos captured the lighter side of the team’s rigorous IPL schedule, underscoring how bonding off the field plays a critical role in fostering on-field success.
IPL Match Venue Shift and Weather Concerns
The match against SRH, initially scheduled to be RCB’s final home game of the season at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has been moved to the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. This change was prompted by Bengaluru’s unpredictable weather conditions. The team’s previous home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was abandoned without a toss due to persistent rain, highlighting the challenges of playing during the monsoon season.
By relocating the fixture to Lucknow, the IPL organizers aim to ensure better playing conditions and minimize disruptions, allowing players like Kohli and his teammates to focus fully on their performances. This logistical decision comes as part of a broader effort to maintain the tournament’s competitive integrity and accommodate weather-related contingencies.
Pickleball: A New Favorite Off-Field Activity
Pickleball has quickly become popular among cricket players and athletes due to its enjoyable, low-impact gameplay and benefits for enhancing reflexes and hand-eye coordination. Kohli’s participation in the sport with his wife and teammates highlights its rising appeal as both a fun pastime and a fitness activity in the sports world.
Anushka Sharma’s presence adds a charming dimension to the gathering, highlighting how the couple often supports each other’s professional journeys while sharing lighthearted moments. Dipika Pallikal and Dinesh Karthik’s involvement highlights the connection between cricket and other sports, promoting mutual support and a shared commitment to fitness.
Looking Ahead
As RCB prepares to take on SRH in what promises to be an intense IPL encounter, these off-field moments offer fans a glimpse into the team’s unity and positive morale. With the shift to Ekana Stadium and the weather challenges behind them, Kohli and his teammates are set to bring their best game forward, inspired by both their training and the supportive environment around them.
Fans are excited for the May 23 showdown, hoping RCB’s mix of skill, teamwork, and fresh energy leads to a memorable win. At the same time, the pickleball moments highlight the value of balance, friendship, and fun in sports.
