Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli was recently spotted at Lucknow airport alongside his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. The couple's appearance comes ahead of RCB's crucial IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), scheduled for May 29 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
Kohli has been in remarkable form this season, recently achieving his 63rd IPL half-century during a match against Lucknow Super Giants, surpassing David Warner's previous record. Anushka Sharma was present in the stands, visibly celebrating his milestone. However, her expressions turned to disappointment upon Kohli's dismissal, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.
RCB secured their spot in the playoffs with a thrilling six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, thanks to a stellar unbeaten 85-run innings by stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma. This win propelled them into Qualifier 1 against PBKS.
The upcoming match at Mullanpur is pivotal, as the winner will advance directly to the IPL 2025 final. The stadium has witnessed a balanced contest between bat and ball, with teams chasing targets often finding success due to evening dew conditions.
As Kohli prepares for this high-stakes encounter, fans eagerly anticipate whether RCB can capitalize on their momentum and move one step closer to clinching their maiden IPL title.
IPL 2025: Jitesh Sharma & Virat Kohli Power Royal Challengers Bengaluru To 6-Wicket Win Over Lucknow Super Giants; Will Face Punjab Kings In Qualifier 1
In a pulsating contest at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a thrilling 6-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), chasing down a massive target of 228 with 8 balls to spare. The win ensures RCB a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league standings and a berth in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.
LSG put up a daunting total of 227/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a scintillating century by captain Rishabh Pant, who hammered 118 runs off 61 balls, peppered with 11 boundaries and 8 sixes. He found strong support from Mitchell Marsh, who blazed his way to 67 off 37 balls, smashing 4 fours and 5 sixes. Despite the onslaught, RCB’s Nuwan Thushara stood out with a disciplined spell, conceding just 26 runs in his 4 overs and picking up the key wicket of Matthew Breetzke. His effort kept LSG from crossing the 240-mark.
In reply, RCB began strongly with Virat Kohli once again leading from the front. The former India captain crafted a classy 54 off 30 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, setting the tone for the chase. But it was Jitesh Sharma who stole the show with a match-winning knock of 85 runs off just 33 balls, featuring 8 boundaries and 6 towering sixes. His fearless hitting dismantled the LSG bowling attack and swung the momentum decisively in RCB’s favor. RCB reached 230/4 in just 18.4 overs, delivering a powerful statement ahead of the playoffs. For LSG, Will O’Rourke took 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 74 runs in his 4 overs, the most by any bowler in the match.
