A defining moment was created by Virat Kohli, even as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their second successive IPL title in 2026. Just after helping the team achieve this feat, Kohli went around the Narendra Modi Stadium with his wife Anushka Sharma. Surrounded by the joyous celebrations from thousands of fans who watched from the stands, he took off the batting pads worn during the match and gave them to his fans. This became an instant classic scene from the event. Similarly, fans never forgot the expression on the face of Anushka Sharma who walked along with her husband.
The picture immediately became viral across all social media platforms. People appreciated Kohli for this gesture because he made his fans a part of such a defining moment of his career and life with the team. The image of Kohli giving away his pads and Anushka smiling while doing this became one of the biggest highlights of this match.
Three Moments That Defined RCB’s IPL 2026 Celebration
Kohli once again put fans at the centre of the celebration
Kohli has often shown appreciation for supporters, and the IPL 2026 final added another chapter to that record. By giving away the pads he had used during the championship-winning match, he turned a personal milestone into a fan moment. The gesture also matched his post-match message, where he dedicated the triumph to RCB’s supporters.
It was not the first time he had shared cricket memorabilia. After India’s Boxing Day Test victory in Melbourne in 2018, he gifted his batting pads to a young fan. In Sydney in 2019, he arranged for an autographed pad to reach six-year-old Atharv Nautiyal. More recently, during a practice session in Alibaug in January 2025, he handed over his leg pads and an L-guard to a supporter. Later that year, he gifted a bat to youngster Musheer Khan after a landmark IPL performance.
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Virat-Anushka’s Bonding
As the trophy winners’ celebrations took center stage, there was another focal point: Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma. The couple spent some time together on the ground post the winning runs. One could see them hugging, sharing smiles, and reveling in their historic moment.
Anushka’s smile while watching her boyfriend interact with his adoring fans was especially noteworthy. It was clear from her beaming face that she was happy at the end of a long, emotional journey with the franchise. As Kohli thanked the fans for their support, one could see him alongside his partner.
RCB completed a rare title double with another strong final
The celebration came after a successful defense of the title by RCB. The team triumphed against Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final held in Ahmedabad, with five wickets to spare. Gujarat Titans scored 155/8 in response to efficient bowling by RCB’s bowlers. Washington Sundar was the highest scorer with his unbeaten half-century, while Rasikh Salam Dar took three wickets for Gujarat Titans.
Responding to their total, RCB managed to score within 18 overs. Kohli spearheaded the fight with an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls that included nine fours and three sixes. Moreover, Kohli achieved the feat of scoring his fastest fifty in the IPL as well as concluded the game with the winning six. RCB became the third franchise to defend its title in the tournament, with the other franchises being Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. It was a memorable night for all the people connected with the sport, with Kohli’s gift to the audience and Anushka Sharma’s smile standing out prominently.
