Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ananya Birla (Source: X)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally booked their place in the IPL 2026 final after producing a stunning performance against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala.
RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by a massive 92 runs in one of the most dominant playoff victories in IPL history.
While Rajat Patidar's explosive batting and RCB's clinical bowling drew attention on the field, an emotional off-field moment between Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma and Ananya Birla quickly became the biggest talking point on social media.
Soon after the victory, cameras showed Virat Kohli celebrating passionately before walking towards the stands to meet Anushka Sharma.
However, another brief interaction with Ananya Birla also caught fans' attention online.
Rajat Patidar guides RCB to massive 92-Run Win
RCB delivered one of their finest performances of the season in the high-pressure playoff clash. Batting first, RCB posted a record-breaking total of 254/5 in 20 overs, the highest-ever score in IPL playoff history.
Captain Rajat Patidar led the charge with a breathtaking knock of 93 runs off just 33 balls. At one stage, RCB appeared headed towards a total of around 220, but Patidar completely changed the game with his aggressive stroke play in the final overs.
Virat Kohli also made an important contribution of 43 runs off 25 balls, while Krunal Pandya added another quick 43 runs off 28 balls.
Also Read: Players Who Are Still In The Race For Orange Cap In IPL 2026 Playoffs
In reply, Gujarat Titans never looked comfortable during the chase. Wickets kept falling regularly and the pressure of the required run rate became too much for them.
Rahul Tewatia fought hard with a fighting 68, while Jos Buttler scored 29, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to support them.
RCB's bowlers were outstanding throughout the innings.
Jacob Duffy starred with three crucial wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya and Rasikh Salam Dar chipped in with two wickets each to seal a memorable victory.
Virat Kohli hugs Anushka Sharma; Caught an awkward moment with Ananya Birla
After the match ended, Virat Kohli became the centre of attention once again. Cameras captured Kohli speaking with Anushka Sharma and Ananya Birla in the stands during RCB's celebrations.
One particular moment quickly spread across social media platforms. In the viral clip, Ananya Birla appeared to move forward warmly towards Kohli during the celebrations, but the star player instead greeted her with a handshake.
The brief interaction looked slightly awkward on camera.
Moments later, Kohli walked directly towards Anushka Sharma and shared an emotional hug with his wife.
Watch the Video here:
With this victory, RCB now move one step closer to becoming the champions again. They will now wait to see who joins them in the final.
The IPL 2026 final will take place on May 31 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, where RCB will hope to win another title.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Abruptly Takes Over Gujarat Titans' Team Photoshoot
