Latest news with #royalchallengers.bengaluru
News18
06-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Lalit Modi Thanks ‘Good Friend' Vijay Mallya For Buying RCB: ‘Biggest Sponsor...Give Credit'
Last Updated: Lalit Modi praised Vijay Mallya for being the first to back the IPL when it was still just an idea. Lalit Modi, the creator of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has put the spotlight back on one of the league's original team owners, Vijay Mallya. Sharing a clip from Vijay Mallya's recent interview with YouTuber Raj Shamani, Lalit Modi praised the former liquor baron for being the first to back the IPL when it was still just an idea. 'How did my good friend Vijay Mallya buy Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL I created? Hear from the man himself. He was the first person to support me blindly. He was also the league's biggest sponsor and has, since day one, been its most loyal, ardent fan and follower. For which I will always be grateful," he wrote on X. Modi further added, 'One must give credit where credit is due. He has always done more for the game and the fans than anyone living I know. And believe me, I know better than anyone else living. You may have your bias. But I am known to call a spade a spade." Mallya responded in his post with, 'Thank you Lalit." How did my good friend #vijaymallya buy @ team in the @iplt20 I created. Hear from the man himself. He was the first person to support me making the #ipl blindly. Also was its biggest sponsor and has since day one been its most loyal ardent fan and… — Lalit Kumar Modi (@LalitKModi) June 5, 2025 In the recent interview, Mallya opened up about how he got involved with the IPL. 'I was impressed with the pitch Lalit made to the BCCI committee about this league. He called me one day and said, 'Okay, fine. We're ready to go. Teams are going to be auctioned. Are you going to buy?'" he said. Mallya saw the league not just as a sporting opportunity but also as a smart way to promote his brands. 'In a country where cricket is a religion, what better platform can I have to promote my brands than through an IPL franchise? And I got greedy, I wanted one for Kingfisher and one for my whiskey brand, Royal Challenge," he continued. But the rules were clear. 'He said you can only have one. Then the bidding came and I was excited to promote one of my brands. So, I bid for three franchises. I lost Mumbai by a very small amount of money. But then I ended up the highest bidder for three and I had to choose one. So, I obviously chose Bangalore," he stated. Mallya purchased RCB in 2008 and the team rose to fame as one of the most talked-about franchises in the IPL. But their journey wasn't smooth. Under Mallya's leadership, RCB often attracted headlines for both cricket and controversy. In 2016, as legal troubles mounted over unpaid loans, Mallya lost control of the team. Since then, the ownership of RCB has rested with United Spirits Limited (USL), a major player in India's alcoholic beverage market and the second-largest liquor company in the world. This IPL season turned out to be historic for RCB. After 18 years, the team finally lifted its maiden IPL trophy in a thrilling final against Punjab Kings. Fans across the country erupted in celebration but the joy was tragically cut short when a stampede broke out outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium where fans had gathered to celebrate. At least 11 people lost their lives and 47 others were injured in the chaos. First Published:
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
RCB wins IPL 2025: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma race into each other's arms, King Kohli thanks actor for over a decade of sacrifices. Watch videos
Royal Challengers Bangalore's long-awaited victory at Tuesday's Indian Premier League final was a moment of celebration for every fan. The team waited for 18 long years for the crown, and Virat Kohli was visibly emotional afterwards. Several videos of him and his wife, Anushka Sharma, were shared online after the match. Videos showed Anushka with emotions on her sleeve, excited for Virat after the landmark victory. Virat was seen in tears, while Anushka was in disbelief as RCB ended its 18-year wait for the IPL title. Kohli teared up mid-way through the 20th over after it became all but certain that RCB would be crowned the champions for the first time. While Anushka Sharma is yet to share her reaction on social media, this morning, Virat Kohli took to his Instagram to share, 'This team made the dream possible , a season I'll never ever forget. We've thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of rcb who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the ipl trophy is concerned- you've made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it's been absolutely worth the wait. ❤️ 🏆@ A post shared by Virat Kohli (@ Once the match officially ended, Anushka ran towards the ground to hug Virat, and he raced towards her. The emotional scenes from the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad were shared widely online. See some videos and photos of Anushka Sharma from IPL 2025 finals: Everyone is looking at him and he's just looking at her embracing his world in his arms🥹🧿❤️#ViratKohli #anushkasharma #virushka — s (@yaayerhs) June 3, 2025 Thank you Anushka for taking care of Our King and always standing by his side❤️🫂#rcbwin #ViratKohli𓃵 #AnushkaSharma — Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) June 3, 2025 After IPL win, Virat posed with Anushka, whom he always credits for his success.🔥🔥🔥🔥#iplfinal2025 #RCBvsPBKSfinal #ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma#RCBChampion #ABdeVilliers — Gagan Meena (@GaganMeena47) June 4, 2025 Either this or nothing🥹🎀❤️#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma — Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) June 3, 2025 A picture perfect ❤️❤️🥹#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma — Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) June 3, 2025 She gave up her career for moments like these 🥺👑🔥#AnushkaSharma #ViratKohli #RCB — $@M (@SAMTHEBESTEST_) June 3, 2025 Thank you Anushka Sharma for taking care of this Kid for us 😭❤️ thank you so being there every time he needed someone so strong who can control that storm in him Thank you for being our Lady luck ❤️ RCB RCB RCB #AnushkaSharma #EeSalaCupNamde — Rahul | 🇮🇳 (@TheGoatNDevil) June 3, 2025 Post the match, like always, Virat Kohli once again opened up on the 'support and sacrifices' Anushka Sharma has made behind the scenes. Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma started dating in 2013 and officially became a couple in 2014. The got married in 2017. Speaking to Star Sports, Virat said that Anushka, Virat said, 'So it's been 11 years for her as well, you know. Relentlessly coming to games, watching tough games, watching us just miss out. What your life partner does for you to be able to play, and the sacrifices, and the commitment, and just backing you through thick and thin, is something you can't explain in words. Only when you play professionally, you understand the amount of things that go on behind the scenes, and what they go through as well.' Viratr added, 'What Anushka has gone through emotionally, watching me, being down and out, her coming to games, being so connected with Bangalore, she's a Bangalore girl as well, and being connected to RCB, this is very, very special for her as well, and she's going to be so, so proud.' A post shared by Aditya Surana (@adityadancevlogs) Sharing a clip of Virat and Anushka's hugging each other, a fan wrote, 'Today, I witnessed something truly special. Virat Kohli stood near the dugout for almost 15 minutes, eyes fixed on the stairs, patiently waiting for Anushka Sharma. Every time someone walked by, he glanced up with hope, only to look away again. But the moment he finally saw her, everything changed—his face lit up, and without a second thought, he ran toward her and embraced her tightly. It wasn't just a hug; it was a moment full of love, relief, and connection. A quiet reminder that even amidst the noise of the world, some bonds speak louder than words.' Kriti works as a Copy Editor for the Entertainment section of Indian Express Online ( She is great at web stories, galleries, and Express Archive's photo stories. She is good at spotting stories from social media posts. She makes the copies well-loaded with content, photos, tweets, and other related social media posts to make it interesting for the readers. An alumnus of Asian College of Journalism, Chennai (Specialization in New Media), Kriti has been a part of the organisation since November 2015. She took a transfer from Delhi to Bengaluru in April 2017. ... Read More
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Anushka Sharma Blames Virat Kohli After Losing Pickleball Match: "It Was Him". Cricketer's Reaction Is Crazy Viral
New Delhi: Taking a break from the cricket, Virat Kohli recently swapped bat for paddle as he played a fun game of pickleball at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru camp. His plus one was his actor-wife Anushka Sharma (obviously). The couple teamed up on the court and gave fans a glimpse into their sporty side, full of laughter, banter and some adorable moments. On Wednesday, RCB's official Instagram handle shared a video from the session, showing Virat and Anushka competing in a light-hearted match. They were joined by RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik and his wife Deepika Pallikal, a professional squash player. Throughout the match, the couple was seen cheering each other on, exchanging high-fives and breaking into giggles. At one point, after losing a point, Anushka cheekily said, "It was him," pointing to Kohli. In another moment, she was seen trying to explain the court rules to him. One of the funniest bits in the video shows Anushka attempting a serve, only to miss it - prompting Kohli to burst into laughter and hide his face behind the pickleball paddle. Kohli even jokingly said "Oh piya" mid-game. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@ While the couple had a blast on the court, Virat and Anushka's team failed to make it to the semi-finals of the friendly match. Anushka and Virat met in 2013 during a commercial shoot and got married in 2017 in Tuscany, Italy. They welcomed Vamika in January 2021 and their son Akaay in February 2024. On the professional front, Anushka Sharma was last seen in a cameo role in Qala. Prior to that, she appeared in the 2018 film Zero alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif. The actress also worked on a biopic based on Indian women's cricketer Jhulan Goswami, titled Chakda Xpress. However, the release date for the film has not yet been confirmed.
NDTV
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Become Pickleball Partners In RCB Camp
Retired from T20Is and Tests, India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli has understandably vacated some time from his busy schedule to focus on a few new chapters. Enjoying a fruitful Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Kohli was spotted trying his hand at pickleball with his wife Anushka Sharma. RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik and his wife Deepika Pallikal, who is a professional squash player, could also be seen playing the sport in RCB camp. RCB shared a post on Instagram, asserting that the pickleball fever has caught up with their squad. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@ After Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket, he and Anushka paid a visit to the holy town where Lord Krishna spent his childhood went viral on social media. In Vrindavan, Virat and Anushka met Sant Premanand Govind Sharan and received his blessings. Kohli took to Instagram on Monday to draw curtains on his illustrious 14-year-long Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including a stellar 30 centuries and 31 fifties. The couple was previously spotted visiting several temples over the couple of years. In January this year, Virat, Anushka Sharma and their children visited Vrindavan to seek the blessings of Premanand Ji Maharaj, the photos of which went viral on social media. In 2023, the couple visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Earlier, the duo took a spiritual journey to Neem Karoli Baba ashram, Kainchi Dham in Uttarakhand. Virat's Test retirement decision came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month's five-match Test series against England. Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade. His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting, and unmatched intensity have helped transform India into a formidable Test side both at home and abroad. He hung up his spikes as the fourth-most successful Test captain with 40 wins overall, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).
Hindustan Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Virat Kohli teams up with Anushka Sharma for pickleball with RCB players; Netizens say ‘king and queen in the same team'
A spontaneous game of pickleball featuring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma has gone viral, giving fans a heartwarming glimpse of the couple enjoying some light moments ahead of the crucial IPL playoffs. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) shared several photos from the fun-filled session, which was organized after a scheduled practice was called off due to rain in Bengaluru. A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@ In the photos, Virat and Anushka are seen laughing, playing, and exchanging a victorious high-five—suggesting they either won a point or the match. Other RCB stars joined the couple on the court, including Dinesh Karthik, who paired up with his wife, squash champion Dipika Pallikal. Players like Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Prabhudessai, and others also took part in the friendly match, which quickly became a hit on social media. A post shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@ Fans were charmed by the couple's camaraderie and energy, especially at a time when emotions are running high following Virat's recent announcement that he is retiring from Test cricket. 'Bro already started playing a new sport… Olympics medal coming soon!' one Instagram user joked, while another wrote, 'King & Queen in the same team.' One more fan simply summed it up as, 'CoupleGoals with a hint of #RCBStyle.' The timing of the pickleball moment struck a chord with many, especially in light of Virat's decision to step away from the longest format of the game. Known for his passion, grit, and consistency, Virat's retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era. His contribution to the Indian team, both as a batsman and as a leader, has been monumental, and the announcement has left fans across the country stunned and sentimental. RCB, having secured a spot in the playoffs, will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on Friday, followed by their final league match against Rishabh Pant's Lucknow Super Giants.
