The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was buzzing with energy on Wednesday night as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 23 of IPL 2026. While RCB walked away with a convincing win, one of the biggest talking points of the night was Virat Kohli falling just one run short of a well-deserved half-century.
Virat Kohli goes for a big shot but gets caught in the deep
Chasing a target of 147, RCB needed a strong foundation, and Kohli stepped up once again. Walking out to a roaring home crowd, he looked completely in control from the very beginning. His innings was a blend of elegance and intent, with crisp cover drives, smart strike rotation, and timely boundaries keeping the chase on track.
Kohli seemed destined for another fifty as he moved to 49 off just 33 balls, hitting 6 fours and a six along the way. The crowd sensed the moment, rising to their feet in anticipation of yet another milestone from their favourite batter.
However, cricket can be unpredictable. On the first delivery of the 11th over, Avesh Khan tempted Kohli to take the aeriel route. In an attempt to clear the boundary on the leg side, he mistimed it slightly, and the ball was safely caught by Nicholas Pooran near the rope. The stadium fell into a brief silence as Kohli walked back, just one run short of his fifty.
Despite the disappointment, his innings had already done the job – setting up the chase and putting RCB in a comfortable position.
Anushka Sharma’s reaction goes viral
While Kohli’s dismissal was a key moment in the match, it was his wife Anushka Sharma’s reaction in the stands that truly captured hearts. Watching the game closely, she was visibly invested in every ball her husband faced.
As Kohli reached 49 and looked set for a milestone, the cameras turned towards Anushka. She leaned forward, her hands clasped together, almost as if silently willing the moment to go in his favour. It was a picture of hope and anticipation.
Then came the dismissal. As the ball went high into the air, her expression changed instantly. The moment the catch was taken, she placed her hands on her cheeks, clearly stunned. The disappointment was evident, but so was her support. Within seconds, she began applauding warmly, appreciating Kohli’s effort despite the near-miss.
Fans connected with the moment, calling it heartfelt and real. Many praised her for showing both emotion and encouragement, with comments highlighting how she seemed to want the milestone just as much as anyone watching.
Back on the field, RCB had little trouble finishing the job. Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma played cameos, while Tim David and Romario Shepherd added valuable runs to ensure there were no late hiccups. The team eventually chased down the target with ease, reaching 149/5 in 15.1 overs and securing a five-wicket victory.
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