Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were overcome with emotion as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a playoff spot

by defeating the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), by 27 runs in a dramatic late-night match. This victory ensured RCB claimed the fourth and final playoff spot in the Indian Premier League.

RCB displayed remarkable composure in this must-win game, posting a formidable 218 for five. Skipper Faf du Plessis (54) and Virat Kohli (47) set a solid foundation with a 78-run opening partnership, despite a brief rain interruption. Rajat Patidar, batting at No. 3, scored 41 off 23 balls and partnered with Cameron Green (38 not out off 17) to maintain the momentum. Dinesh Karthik (14 off 6) and Glenn Maxwell (16 off 5) added quick runs at the end. CSK needed 201 runs to qualify for the playoffs based on a better run rate but fell short, managing only 191 for 7. Rachin Ravindra top-scored with 61 off 37 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja and Ajinkya Rahane contributed 42 not out and 33, respectively. In what could have been his final IPL match, Mahendra Singh Dhoni made a valiant effort with a 25-run cameo off 13 balls. However, Yash Dayal held his nerve in the last over, finishing with figures of 2/42 for RCB.

The emotional win saw Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma visibly moved by the team’s achievement.