On May 21, 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp was buzzing with excitement as star batter Virat Kohli and his wife, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma Play Pickleball, teamed up for a lively pickleball session with fellow RCB teammates. This fun-filled event, organized after a rain-disrupted practice session in Bengaluru, showcased the couple’s chemistry and RCB’s strong team spirit ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs.
The viral images and videos of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing pickleball have taken social media by storm, delighting fans and highlighting the team’s camaraderie. This article dives into the details of this heartwarming moment, capturing the essence of the event and its significance for RCB’s preparations.
A Rainy Day Turned Fun: The Pickleball Showdown
Heavy rainfall in Bengaluru forced RCB to cancel a scheduled practice session, but the team turned the setback into an opportunity for bonding. The pickleball session, held indoors, brought together players, support staff, and their families for a light-hearted yet competitive game. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, known for their strong partnership both on and off the field, paired up to take on RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik and his wife, professional squash player Dipika Pallikal. The event was a perfect blend of fun, fitness, and teamwork, reflecting RCB’s vibrant squad dynamics.
RCB’s official Instagram and X handles shared a series of candid snapshots and videos, capturing Virat and Anushka exchanging high-fives and celebrating points with infectious enthusiasm. Fans couldn’t get enough of the couple’s playful energy, with one image showing them laughing together on the court, epitomizing their “power couple” status. Other RCB stars, including Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Prabhudessai, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Liam Livingstone, also joined the session, making it a memorable team-bonding activity.
Key Participants in the Pickleball Event
| Participant | Role | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB Star Batter | High-fiving Anushka after a point |
| Anushka Sharma | Bollywood Actress | Celebrating with Virat |
| Dinesh Karthik | RCB Batting Mentor | Paired with wife Dipika Pallikal |
| Dipika Pallikal | Professional Squash Player | Competed against Virat and Anushka |
| Phil Salt | RCB Player | Participated in the friendly match |
| Romario Shepherd | RCB All-Rounder | Added to the lively atmosphere |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB Pacer | Enjoyed the team-bonding session |
Social Media Buzz: Fans Celebrate Virat and Anushka’s Chemistry
The pickleball session quickly became a social media sensation, with fans flooding RCB’s posts with love and admiration. The caption on RCB’s X post read, “Powering through teamwork, RCB Style! 🤌🤩 #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025,” perfectly capturing the squad’s vibrant spirit. Fans were particularly thrilled to see Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing pickleball together, with comments like “King & Queen in the same team ❤️🙌” and “Best duo in the world” dominating the comment sections.
- Fan Reactions:
- “Finally got a glimpse of Anushka and Virat together!” – @HindustanTimes
- “Bro already started playing a new sport… Olympics medal coming soon!” – @Timesbull
- “Anushka mam won the match!” – @dnaindia
- “Couple goals! How cute!” – @HindustanTimes
The viral nature of these images underscores the couple’s massive popularity and their ability to captivate audiences beyond the cricket field. The pickleball session not only highlighted their playful side but also reinforced their status as a beloved power couple.
Timing and Context: A Break Before the IPL 2025 Playoffs
The pickleball event came at a crucial juncture for RCB, who have secured a playoff spot in the IPL 2025 season with eight wins and 17 points from 12 matches. Currently sitting second on the points table, RCB is gearing up for their final two league-stage games against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. The match against SRH, originally scheduled in Bengaluru, was shifted to Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium due to persistent rain, making the indoor pickleball session a timely way to keep the team’s spirits high.
Virat Kohli, a cornerstone of RCB’s batting lineup, has been in sensational form this season, amassing 505 runs in 11 innings at an average of 63.12 and a strike rate of 143.46. His seven half-centuries have been pivotal in RCB’s strong campaign, and fans are hopeful he’ll carry this momentum into the playoffs. The pickleball session, with Anushka by his side, offered a refreshing break for Kohli, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a 14-year career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches.
Team Bonding and Its Impact on RCB’s Performance
The pickleball event was more than just a fun diversion; it was a strategic move to foster camaraderie and unity within the RCB squad. With the playoffs approaching, team bonding is crucial for maintaining morale and focus. The inclusion of players’ families, like Anushka Sharma and Dipika Pallikal, added a personal touch to the event, strengthening the team’s off-field relationships.
- Benefits of the Pickleball Session:
- Enhanced Team Spirit: The light-hearted competition allowed players to connect in a relaxed setting, boosting morale.
- Physical Activity: Pickleball provided a fun way to stay active indoors, keeping players sharp despite the canceled practice.
- Family Involvement: Including families fostered a sense of community, reinforcing RCB’s “Play Bold” ethos.
RCB’s coaching staff, including batting mentor Dinesh Karthik and coach Andy Flower, also participated, emphasizing the team’s holistic approach to preparation. This unity is critical as RCB aims for a top-two finish to secure a stronger chance at their maiden IPL title.
Why This Moment Resonates with Fans
The sight of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing pickleball with RCB teammates resonates deeply with fans for several reasons. First, it showcases a lighter side of Kohli, who is often seen as intensely focused on the cricket field. Second, it highlights the couple’s strong bond, which has been a source of inspiration since their marriage in 2017. Finally, the event reflects RCB’s innovative approach to team-building, blending fun with purpose as they chase IPL glory.
The timing of the session, just days after Kohli’s Test retirement announcement, adds an emotional layer. Fans, still processing the end of his Test career, found joy in seeing him relaxed and happy alongside Anushka. The couple’s recent spiritual retreat to Vrindavan, where they sought blessings from Sant Premanand Govind Sharan, further endeared them to fans, showcasing their grounded personalities.
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Conclusion: A Winning Serve for Team Spirit
The pickleball session featuring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma with RCB teammates was a masterstroke in team bonding, blending fun, fitness, and family. As RCB prepares for the IPL 2025 playoffs, this event underscores their strong camaraderie and collective hunger for success. The viral images of Virat and Anushka high-fiving and laughing on the court have not only won fans’ hearts but also reinforced RCB’s “Play Bold” mantra. With Kohli in top form and the team united, RCB is poised to make a strong push for their first IPL trophy. For fans, the sight of Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing pickleball will remain a cherished moment, symbolizing love, teamwork, and the joy of the game.
Sources:
- Times of India
- India Today
- Sportskeeda
- Hindustan Times
- RCB Official X Post
