In a moment that combined passion, love, and high-octane cricket, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli lit up Mullanpur Stadium — not just with his trademark intensity on the field, but with a heart-melting gesture off it. During the Qualifier 1 match of IPL 2025 against Punjab Kings on Thursday, May 29, Kohli was spotted signaling “one more” to his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, seated in the stands. The intimate exchange, caught on camera, quickly went viral on social media, warming hearts across the cricketing world.
The gesture came after RCB’s resounding eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, ensuring their spot in the IPL 2025 final. Kohli, who has been the heartbeat of the Bengaluru franchise for 18 years, is now set to play in his fourth IPL final — a testament to his enduring commitment and unrelenting drive to bring the coveted trophy home.
A Dominant Show by RCB
RCB’s path to the final was paved with a clinical performance that began with their bowlers wreaking havoc. Young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood led the charge, picking up three wickets apiece. Their combined brilliance reduced the Punjab Kings to a paltry total of 101 in just 14.1 overs — a collapse that stunned fans and commentators alike.
While chasing the modest target, England’s Phil Salt delivered a fiery knock, remaining unbeaten with a half-century that powered RCB to a commanding win. The emphatic finish marked one of their most dominant outings this season and served as a clear warning to their final opponents.
Kohli’s Quiet Knock and Emotional High
Though Kohli’s time at the crease was brief — he began with a flawless pull shot to the boundary off Arshdeep Singh but was soon dismissed by Kyle Jamieson — the 35-year-old icon left a deeper impression with his energy and emotional engagement. With 614 runs this season, Kohli stands as the fifth-highest run-getter in IPL 2025, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s most consistent and revered batsmen.
What truly stole the spotlight was Kohli’s heartwarming moment with Anushka Sharma during the match. As the game drew to a close, he glanced toward the stands and signaled “one more” — a powerful gesture symbolizing their shared dream of lifting the IPL trophy. Anushka’s proud and affectionate smile in response added a cinematic charm to the electrifying evening.
Eighteen Years, One Dream
For 18 years, Virat Kohli has poured his heart into RCB — a journey marked by grit, passion, and the lingering dream of lifting the IPL trophy. Though he featured in three finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), the title has remained just out of reach. Now, with RCB firing on all cylinders and Kohli still playing a pivotal role, belief is stronger than ever that this could finally be their moment.
RCB fans, long starved of silverware, are rallying behind their captain-emeritus as he prepares for what could be his most memorable final yet. The team’s balance of youth and experience, spearheaded by Kohli’s fiery presence, is making many believe that this could finally be their year.
The Final Countdown
As RCB gears up for the grand finale, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Kohli, it’s more than just another cricket match — it’s a culmination of nearly two decades of perseverance, heartbreak, and an unwavering bond with millions of fans and one very special person in the stands.
And now, with one match left, all eyes will be on the man who wears his heart on his sleeve, plays with unmatched fervor, and who — with a simple signal — reminded the world why sport is as much about emotion as it is about excellence.