On Wednesday night, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) journey in IPL 2024 came to an end as they were eliminated following a defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR). The tension-filled eliminator match at the stadium was marked not only by the performance on the field but also by the visibly emotional response from Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma, who is married to RCB’s star player and captain, Virat Kohli.
Anushka Sharma has been an ardent supporter of her husband Virat Kohli and his team, RCB. She has been a constant presence in the stands, and on Wednesday night, the stakes were high as the match unfolded. Dressed casually in a multi-coloured shirt and jeans, Anushka radiated excitement and hope, sitting attentively and cheering for RCB.
However, as the match proceeded and the outcome began leaning in favour of Rajasthan Royals, Anushka’s expressions mirrored the same disappointment felt by countless RCB fans worldwide. Once the final ball was bowled and the certainty of RCB’s elimination was clear, cameras captured Anushka’s disheartened reaction. A video showing her attempts to process the disappointing loss quickly made rounds on social media, earning empathy and solidarity from the team’s dedicated fanbase.
As the dust settled after the match, Anushka was seen trying to come to terms with the defeat from the corporate box of the stadium. Her emotional honesty reflected the sentiments of many RCB followers who had been hopeful that this might be their year to clinch the coveted IPL title—a trophy that has eluded the team for the last 16 seasons.
This display of raw emotion was not an isolated incident for the actress who has been fervently supporting RCB throughout the season. Only a week earlier, she had nearly teared up in joy after celebrating RCB’s thrilling win against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a victory that had secured their spot in the playoffs. On that occasion too, Virat Kohli was seen getting emotional on the field, a moment that highlighted just how much this journey meant to both of them.
Despite the loss, the night was not without moments of historical significance. Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing icon, made headlines for a remarkable personal achievement.
. He became the first cricketer in IPL history to surpass the 8,000-run mark, a milestone he reached during the match against Rajasthan Royals. Kohli needed just 29 runs to hit this landmark, and he achieved it with his characteristic flair and precision, scoring 33 runs off 24 balls, which included three boundaries and a six, before being dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal.
This milestone further secured Kohli’s place in the annals of cricketing history and underscored his exceptional consistency and prowess with the bat over the years. While the match’s outcome was not in favour of RCB, this personal achievement brought a bittersweet tinge to an otherwise disappointing evening. Kohli’s nearest competitor, Shikhar Dhawan, remains significantly behind him with 6,769 runs.
For the season of IPL 2024, Virat Kohli has been in stellar form, accumulating 741 runs in just 15 games. His average of 64 and a striking rate of 155 include one century and five half-centuries, making him one of the top performers of the tournament.
As RCB makes their way back home, the elimination has undoubtedly left a dent in the hearts of their fans and well-wishers, including Anushka Sharma. Her heartfelt reaction has become a symbol of RCB’s enduring struggle and their fans’ persistent hope. The actress’s support for the team, unwavering in both victory and defeat, epitomizes the spirit of true sportsmanship and solidarity.
Social media has been buzzing with fans and fellow supporters expressing their sorrow for RCB’s exit and their admiration for Kohli’s landmark achievement. Anushka Sharma’s presence in the stands, her visible excitement and subsequent disappointment, have made her a relatable figure for many fans who live and breathe every match of their favorite team.
As RCB looks towards the next season, the franchise and its supporters can draw inspiration from the devotion of fans like Anushka and the record-breaking achievements of champions like Virat Kohli. While the quest for the elusive IPL title continues, the journey itself, filled with moments of triumph and trials, binds the community of fans and players in an unbreakable bond.
