Ananya Birla’s Awkward Moment With Virat Kohli Caught On Camera – RCB Reach IPL 2026 Final: Virat Kohli’s Viral Moment and Rajat Patidar’s Brilliance

A Dominant Performance Secures RCB’s Place in the Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially punched their ticket to the IPL 2026 final after a masterclass performance against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. In one of the most lopsided playoff victories in the history of the tournament, RCB triumphed by a massive 92 runs, leaving little doubt about their credentials as title contenders this season.

While the clinical display of bowling and aggressive batting kept the stadium buzzing, a brief, viral off-field moment involving Virat Kohli quickly stole the spotlight on social media platforms. The intersection of sporting dominance and celebrity interactions proved to be the perfect recipe for a trending topic.

Rajat Patidar Leads the Charge

The foundation of the victory was laid by captain Rajat Patidar, who played what can only be described as a breathtaking innings. Batting first, RCB put up an imposing total of 254/5 in their 20 overs—a record-breaking score for an IPL playoff match. Patidar’s contribution of 93 runs off a mere 33 balls was the catalyst that changed the complexion of the game. Initially, it seemed as if RCB would settle for a total around 220, but the captain’s aggression in the final overs propelled them to a score that proved impossible for the Titans to chase.

Supporting the captain, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a solid 43 runs from 25 balls, while Krunal Pandya contributed a brisk 43 off 28 deliveries. The sheer firepower displayed by the RCB top and middle order signaled their intent early on.

Gujarat Titans Crumble Under Pressure

In response, the Gujarat Titans never gained any meaningful momentum. The required run rate climbed steadily, forcing their batsmen to take risks that ultimately led to regular collapses. Despite a fighting 68 from Rahul Tewatia and 29 from Jos Buttler, the rest of the lineup struggled to find rhythm. The RCB bowling unit was relentless, with Jacob Duffy putting in a star performance by taking three crucial wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and Rasikh Salam Dar also played their parts, each chipping in with two wickets to ensure a comfortable win for their side.

The Viral Moment: Kohli, Anushka, and Ananya Birla

As the celebrations unfolded, cameras focused on the stands where Virat Kohli was seen interacting with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and singer Ananya Birla. A short clip from this exchange went viral almost immediately. In the footage, Ananya Birla appeared to move toward Kohli to exchange warm greetings during the post-match festivities. However, Kohli opted for a formal handshake, which some observers described as a slightly awkward interaction.

Following this brief moment, Kohli turned his attention to his wife, sharing an emotional hug that was widely circulated by fans as a heartfelt highlight of the evening. This contrast between the formal interaction and the personal celebration quickly became the primary talking point for cricket enthusiasts online.

Looking Ahead to the Final

With this emphatic win, RCB has secured their spot in the final and now awaits the winner of the Eliminator clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. The IPL 2026 final is scheduled for May 31 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. For RCB, the focus now shifts to the ultimate prize, as they look to build on this momentum and clinch the championship title. The team’s current form suggests they are peaking at exactly the right time, making the upcoming final one of the most anticipated matches of the year.