In a heartwarming intersection of Bollywood and cricket, actors Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi recently participated in an entertaining on-camera challenge where they named their favorite cricketers and shared humorous moments around the sport. The feature, a part of a promotional campaign for an upcoming movie or digital offering, unleashed the sporting spirit of the two actors and provided fans with a fix of laughter, nostalgia, and admiration for Indian cricket.

The quiz started with a series of quick-fire questions, from cricket trivia to personal preferences. The two actors were quick with their wits and loved the segment to pieces, displaying a lot of camaraderie and energy. Asked to name their favorite cricketers, the responses put smiles on the faces of many fans.

The fans adored the video for its creative mix of sports and cinema, and the sheer affection that both actors had for cricket. The skit went viral immediately on social media platforms. It is always warming to see celebrities from various sectors bond over a common interest. Not only did this playful exchange provide fans a look behind the curtain of their beloved celebrities' sporting interests, but it also reflected the national passion for cricket that brings together millions in the country.

Watch the video here

King Kohli’s cover drive or Hitman’s pull shot? 🤔

Watch @RajkummarRao and @iWamiqaGabbi share their picks in a fun 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 & 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 challenge!#IPLonJioStar 👉 #RRvGT | MON, 28th APR, 6:30 PM on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/mk5BnR1I5b

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 28, 2025

Also read: IPL 2025: Look how cricketing fraternity reacted to Vaibhav Suryavanshi's iconic knock against GT

Rajkummar Rao and Wamiqa Gabbi shared their favorite cricketers

Rajkummar Rao, known for his versatility and grounded personality, named MS Dhoni as his all-time favorite. He spoke fondly of Dhoni’s calm demeanor and leadership style, saying, “I’ve always admired how Dhoni handles pressure. Whether it’s the World Cup final or a tough IPL game, he’s unshakable. That sort of calmness is admirable not only in cricket, but in life as well." He also named Virat Kohli for his aggression and passion, terming him "a true modern-day legend."

Wamiqa Gabbi, on the other hand, introduced a new point of view by mentioning Smriti Mandhana as her favorite. "She's fiery, fashionable, and incredibly talented," Wamiqa stated. "I believe that women's cricket needs so much more attention, and Smriti is an amazing role model." She also enjoyed Rohit Sharma's batting with ease, calling his timing and class poetry in motion.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won a nail-biting match against Delhi Capitals (DC) by six wickets on Apr 27, 2025, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL 2025. However, the highlight of the match was the post-game verbal banter between Kohli and Rahul. These two fierce competitors in the cricketing world shared a light moment that goes to show their camaraderie extends well beyond the field. Rahul could not help but laugh as he said, “Good that he got out,” remarking on how he was relieved that Kohli didn’t finish the match on a note where he could celebrate with a viral “My ground” tribute with his teammates under the same emotional context which they did during the last Chinnaswamy Stadium face-off. 

RCB further showcased their strength as the win stands as the team’s sixth consecutive away win. In the match where RCB needed to chase 163, they had a rough start, but Kohli’s performance alongside Krunal Pandya’s 73 off 47 calmed the storm. Mid-match Rahul and Kohli's testy exchange of words resulted in them being face to face near the stumps, but any unresolved fighting was ousted with laughter after the game. Kohli, after his “My Home” pose, pretended to perform the same gesture marking his home which made Rahul recount how grateful he was to escape having to deal with a raging Kohli

Watch the video here

That “achha hua out ho gaya” from KL 🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/OGFB4AQ4Lx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 28, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 47: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans Full Match Highlights

Rahul and Kohli's playful jab during the IPL 2025 season showed how close they actually are and how they respect one another. Kohli's joke about him after what he called a "dramatic celebration" and how Rahul joked with the reporters by saying "good that he got out", created a comedic and relaxed atmosphere while in tough competition. Their playful exchange, having come during a serious competitive environment , was a heartwarming moment and opportunity for sportmanship, which extolled a lesson of the human side of the game especially among teamates from rival teams.

RCB take step closer to playoffs qualification

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have reached the top of the tables in IPL 2025, winning 7 out of 10 games, and are the first team to exceed 14 points on the scoreboard for the season. RCB have 4 league matches remaining, and they only need to win 1 more game to secure a playoff spot. It would also take a monumental effort not to qualify given their current form, and therefore even winning one of their remaining games should surely see them qualify to the IPL 2025 knockout stage.

Winning 2 or more games from their remaining matches could then even see RCB finish in the top 2 and with an advantage in the playoffs. However, they could also still miss out depending on other results if they were to lose all 4 remaining matches. Thus, it will be important for RCB to maintain momentum going into the playoffs.

The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, honoring distinguished achievements in various fields, including sports. Numerous Indian cricketers will have been recognized for their remarkable achievements in the game of cricket over these years, with cricket being both the most awarded and most recognized sport in the award category due to cricket being a main part of Indian culture. As of April 2025, there are 40 cricketer recipients of the Padma Shri award, made up of 37 men and 3 women, which partly explains why there are more male cricketers on this list due to history. I hope to frame the discourse around the Padma Shri-awarded cricketers, with reasons for why these cricketers have achieved this prestigious recognition, and lastly their legacies as cricketers, with a table to list all the named recipients of the Padma Shri.

The Padma Shri has been awarded to cricketers since 1960. The first Indian cricketer to receive this award was Vijay Hazare. Cricketers are recognized not just for their competitive performances while advocating for and cultivating Indian cricket on and off the field or elevating the status of cricket in India and internationally. There is history and legacy in having led India to momentous victories and other career milestones. Cricketers have even broken world records or placed Indian cricket on the world stage in a developing cricketing nation. Interestingly, 24% of the awards in sports are awarded to cricketers, illustrating the significance of cricket in India.

Also Read: List of Pakistani Cricket youtube channel banned by Indian Government post Pahalgam terror attack

List of Cricketers Honored with Padma Shri

Below is a table of 22 explicitly named cricketers who have received the Padma Shri, based on available records up to 2025. While 40 cricketers have been honored, some names are not widely documented in public sources.

Cricketers honored with the Padma Shri embody excellence, perseverance, and national pride. Their achievements have shaped Indian cricket’s legacy, inspiring future generations to dream big and strive for greatness.

Virat Kohli, at the age of 37, is currently enjoying one of the finest forms in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the IPL 2007-08 season, the flamboyant batter has served Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) numerous memorable innings but has yet to claim the trophy. RCB, in his season looking fine enough, ends their years-long drought. 

In the last 5 IPL 2025 matches, Virat scored 4 half centuries, including an unbeaten 73-run innings against Punjab Kings. A cricketer well over the age of 35 is considered to be someone who experienced his spring days long ago; for Kohli, the scenario is different. A part of cricket fans are wondering, is the former team India and RCB skipper currently going through his best-ever IPL performance? 

The right-handed batter produced his best Indian Premier League stats back in 2016. This was the year when he scored a record 973 runs in 16 matches, with an 81.08 batting average, 4 tons, and seven 50s. Kohli, then the captain of RCB, with that enormous execution, carried his team to the final round but unfortunately didn't win the silverware. 

Kohlis stats in IPL 2016

After ten matches in the ongoing IPL 2025, Virat is very close to touching his IPL 2016 record in terms of scoring half-centuries. One of the brightest stars of modern-era cricket has already bagged 6 half-centuries, only a step away from scoring the 7th, which he did in 2016. Overall, the Indian batter in 10 IPL 2025 matches scored a total of 443 runs, averaging 63.29, well distanced away from his best numbers. 

Read More: Arun Dhumal hints at expanded 94-Match IPL season starting from 2028

Kohli's stats so far in IPL 2025

RCB, at the top of the IPL 2025 ladder with 14 points in 10 matches and 4 group matches yet to be played, has a ticket to the next round that is just a matter of time. So, it is very much possible that he will get more time to decorate his present IPL-season stats. In the round of four, every team will play 2 matches (home and away fixture), then the best two will move forward for the grand finale. 

Apart from the trophy, the only element missing from Kohli's IPL 2025 numbers is a century. Virat, in 2016, secured four 100s, which make his record exceedingly attractive even after 9 years. 

In a masterful exhibition of poise and class, Virat Kohli once again proved why he is the skipper, guiding his team to a win with a match-winning fifty against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Played in front of a sea of sell-out crowds, the match saw another chapter in the great man's illustrious book as he kept the innings together even in situations of pressure, a testament to the fact that he is one of the world's cricketing greats.

Pursuing a tough goal of the Delhi Capitals, Kohli came in too soon following an untimely fall. Exhibiting no scoreboard pressure and the aggressive bowling unit led by Anrich Nortje and Kuldeep Yadav no trouble, Kohli played with supreme confidence. Timed his innings to the mark, Kohli enjoyed a sagacious mix of caution and aggression. His undefeated half-century, backed by elegant drives and perceptive singles, was the sheet-anchor of the chase.

Also read: WATCH: Ravi Bishnoi teases Jasprit Bumrah after hitting him for six in MI vs LSG match

Kohli’s 62* off 44 balls wasn’t just about the runs; it was about standing tall when it mattered the most. As wickets fell at the other end, Kohli maintained his composure, rotating the strike efficiently and punishing loose deliveries. His ability to absorb the pressure and deliver in crunch moments once again won the hearts of millions.

Twitter reactions 

Jaha Matter Bade Hote Hai, Waha Virat Kohli Khade Rehte Hai..🐐🔥👑 pic.twitter.com/fQ9gWGhUoe

— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 20, 2024

Jaha matter bade hote hai waha king Virat Kohli khade hote hai 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pXYCcQ0QV0

— Wellu (@Wellutwt) September 4, 2022

𝐉𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐚𝐦𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢, 𝐯𝐚𝐡𝐚 𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐢! 👑#INDvAUS #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/r9ARdjcEfg

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 4, 2025

JAHA MATTER BADE HOTE HAI
WAHA KING KOHLI KHADE HOTE HAIN
🔥🔥🔥
Virat Kohli is Supreme 😇 pic.twitter.com/wtmhUtxQLM

— MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW (@JagoIndia_) October 22, 2023

As they rightly say "Jaha matter bade hote hain waha Virat Kohli khade hote hain". Chase master for a reason. pic.twitter.com/0JoqV0uKGM

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 4, 2025

Woh kehte hai na "Jaha matter bade hote hai waha King Kohli khade hote hai"

Some 80s are greater than Centuries, well played the run machine VIRAT KOHLI 👑 pic.twitter.com/yYxbmVio36

— Shrey  (@Shrey__123) March 4, 2025

Jaha Matter Bade Hote Hai , Waha King Kohli Khade Hote Hai #Virat pic.twitter.com/AIMsccSUVF

— 👉🏻👈🏻 (@Iwillexplain_) December 28, 2023

Jaha matter bade hote hai waha King Virat Kohli khade hote hai#INDvsAUS #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/jtFUCt8SfE

— Blind Shadow (@AtifAli56056184) March 4, 2025

Jaha matter bade hote hai, waha Virat Kohli khade hote hai, bs 50 or 💯💯 pic.twitter.com/Dt7qZCqVHy

— Shrey  (@Shrey__123) November 19, 2023

There is an old saying-
Jahan mamle bade hote hai
Wahan Virat Kohli khade hote hai 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nW3hJM085A

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) March 4, 2025

Jaha Matter Bade Hote Hai Waha Kohli Khade Hote Hai’: Fans Hail Virat Kohli’s Match-Winning Knock in IPL 2025

Social media fans were quick to lavish their admiration and love for the Indian master. The slogan "Jaha matter bade hote hai waha Kohli khade hote hai" (Where the matters are big, Kohli stands tall) went viral on all platforms as fans celebrated his knack of standing tall at big moments.

Virat Kohli's knock served as a reminder that although formats can change and players can change, some legends go on to redefine greatness with every chance they are given. Through this match-winning innings, Kohli not only led his side to a classic win but also sent out a clear message that he is still a force to be reckoned with in IPL 2025.

The 46th match of IPL 2025 was played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Delhi Capitals (DC) at Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi. In this match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets and registered a spectacular victory, securing the first position in the points table. In this match, Delhi Capitals had set a target of 163 runs in front of Royal Challengers Bangalore. In response, Royal Challengers Bangalore achieved the target by losing 4 wickets.

Talking about this match, the Rajat Patidar-led RCB won the toss and decided to bowl first. In response, the Delhi Capitals team, which came to bat first, did not have a great start. Abhishek Poral got out on a score of 33 runs and returned to the pavilion. Porel played an innings of 28 runs in 11 balls in the match. After this, Du Plessis was dismissed after scoring 22 runs in 26 balls. Karun Nair was dismissed after scoring just four runs. After that, KL Rahul played a slow innings of 41 runs in 39 balls. Axar Patel scored 15 runs in 13 balls. Tristan Stubbs played an innings of 34 runs in 18 balls. From the Royal Challengers Bangalore team, Bhuvneshwar Kumar took three wickets for 33 runs in four overs. Hazelwood took two wickets for 36 runs in four overs.

Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya seal the deal for RCB

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, which came out to chase the target of 163 runs given by Delhi Capitals, had a very bad start. Jacob Bethel, playing his debut match for RCB, was out after scoring 12 runs in 6 balls. Devdutt Padikkal could not even open his account today and was bowled by Axar Patel. After this, Captain Rajat Patidar was also run out after scoring 6 runs in 6 balls.

But after this, there was a partnership of 119 runs in 84 balls for the fourth wicket between Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli in which Krunal Pandya scored 73 runs in 47 balls and Kohli scored 43 runs in 37 balls. In this match, Kohli played an innings of 51 runs in 47 balls. Whereas Krunal Pandya scored 73 runs in 47 balls. Tim David also played an innings of 19 runs in 5 balls in the end. From the team of Delhi Capitals, captain Akshar Patel took two wickets by giving 19 runs in four overs.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025, Match 46: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Full Match Highlights

Twitter reactions after RCB wins the 46th match of IPL 2025

Ohh Fuck What A Win Bc 😭😭
And RCB in Top OF Table 🥹🫰🧿

Congratulations RCB
What A Knock By Trump card Krunal Pandya and King Kohli 👑 #DCvsRCB #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/g6AEK7WSli

— █████𓅇 (@80XT0) April 27, 2025

🚨 HISTORYYYY CREATED 🔥🔥

CONQUERED 6/6 AWAY MATCHES

Kolkata ✅
Chennai ✅
Mumbai ✅
Jaipur ✅
New Chandigarh ✅
Delhi ✅ #DCvsRCB #PlayBold #RCB pic.twitter.com/httyXKsCUi

— V I P E R (@VIPERoffl) April 27, 2025

RCB won by 6 wickets 🔥🔥
Krunal Pandya the Game Changer
King classic show
Tim Anna 🔥🥵#DCvRCB
pic.twitter.com/ZSEVAkaNrN

— 𝗦𝗵𝗿𝗲𝘆𝗶 ᵀᵒˣᶦᶜ ¹⁹ ⁰³ ²⁶ (@NameIsShreyash) April 27, 2025

RCB और दिल्ली के बीच rivalry ऐसी है जैसे एक तरफ आलू की चिप्स और दूसरी तरफ बिना नमक वाली दाल 🍛— दोनों का स्वाद, पर कोई मज़ा नहीं!
RCB जीतने का सपना देखती है 🏆, दिल्ली तो बस IPL में टिकट बेचने के लिए फील्ड पर आ जाती है! 😂🎫#DCvsRCB#RCBvsDC pic.twitter.com/mjmU3C0C8D

— Ram Avatar (@ramavatar_x) April 27, 2025

My Friend asked " Where is the TV Remote ? "

I replied RCB

Friend was confused

I said TOP OF THE TABLE 🥳🔥 #RCBvsDC pic.twitter.com/Ga9P05GdE1

— Dr. GBU Salvatore (@KohliThala) April 27, 2025

Dc Was Coming In Form, Unstoppable, invincible And Then There Comes Rcb Who Destroyed Them One Sided In Their Own Den 🚬pic.twitter.com/8FyEem02RG

— VIRANSHH™ (@VIRANSHHVK17) April 27, 2025

My girlfriend's mom asked me "where’s the TV remote?"

I said, "RCB"

She replied, "what are you talking about?!"

I said, "on top of the table."❤️#ViratKohli #DCvsRCB pic.twitter.com/fekcw2a6wq

— 🧢1⃣0⃣ (@CapXSid) April 27, 2025

RCB BEAT DELHI CAPITALS IN DELHI.

- 6th consecutive victory for RCB away from home. 🤯 #RCBvsDC #DCvRCB pic.twitter.com/fKZajGhzkP

— auqib (@auqibhabib) April 27, 2025

BITCH LET'S GO RCB WON BABY
😭 REVENGE DONE Too hehe pic.twitter.com/B1QpJ9zJtx

— toodle (@frozalestappen) April 27, 2025

RCB Won The Match 🔥❤️#RCBvsPBKS #PBKSvRCB pic.twitter.com/pahG7AFke3

— Addicted To Memes (@Addictedtomemez) April 20, 2023

Virat Kohli mocked KL Rahul’s famous "Kantara" celebration after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets in IPL 2025. Chasing 163, RCB recovered from 26/3 thanks to a steady partnership between Krunal Pandya, who scored 73 off 47 balls, and Kohli, who made 51 off 47 balls. Earlier, DC posted 162/8 with KL Rahul scoring 41 and Tristan Stubbs adding a quick 34, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred with 3/22 for RCB.

With this win, Bengaluru climbed to the top of the points table with 14 points, while Delhi slipped to fourth. In a lighthearted moment, Kohli recreated Rahul’s viral "Kantara" move, drawing a circle and stomping the ground to cheekily assert, “This is my ground,” at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

The cheeky gesture was directed at Rahul's "This is my home ground" celebration early in the season, following his game-winning 93* to lead DC to victory at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Watch the Video:

kohli😂❤️🫶🏻 https://t.co/7Nx1wejHw8 pic.twitter.com/otniekWn7Y

— S A K T H I ! (@Classic82atMCG_) April 27, 2025

ALSO SEE: "RCB Takes Sweet Revenge" Fans Go Wild as RCB Thrash DC with a Dominating All-Round Performance

Kohli and Pandya Guide RCB to Win, Kohli Teases Rahul's Celebration

RCB's pursuit did not begin on the right note, with three wickets lost early.Howeever, the ship was steadied by the cool head Pandya and the experienced Kohli. Pandya dominated in the partnership following Kohli's 45-ball half-century supported by several boundaries that helped revive RCB from the loss it had suffered initially. With the two's input of 119 runs, RCB was restored to its earlier form and the target was effortlessly achieved.

Despite Kohli’s dismissal after reaching his fifty, Pandya remained unscathed, finishing with a match-winning knock. His calm innings guaranteed RCB's triumph, by six wickets. The win brought RCB to the points table summit, 14 points from 10 games, while Delhi Capitals fell to fourth with 12 points from 9 matches.

Kohli demonstrated himself to be light-hearted after the win when he ridiculed Rahul's legendary "Kantara" dance victory celebration. He jokingly stamped his foot and drew a circle on the ground, saying, "This is my ground." The gesture was a light-hearted manner in which to show the friendly rivalry between the two Indian players. While they battle hard on the pitch, this light-hearted gesture showed their respect for one another and a light-hearted approach to competition.

In Match 46 of the IPL 2025, Delhi Capitals (DC) faced off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in a contest that showcased both batting prowess and tight bowling. With a prospect for playoff spots on the line, both teams delivered their best for an exciting clash for the fans. The victory went to RCB after chasing down a target of 163 with 4 wickets in 18.3 overs thanks to an unbeaten innings of 73 runs off 47 balls from Krunal Pandya.

Delhi Capitals Innings

The Delhi Capitals (DC) managed to post a respectable total of 162/8 at the conclusion of their innings. KL Rahul made a solid contribution of 41 runs off 39 balls to steady the innings. The middle order saw contributions from Tristan Stubbs, 34 runs off 18 balls, and Abishare Porel, 28 runs off 11 balls. However, the Royal Challengers Bangalore bowling attack performed well as Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 3/33 from 4 overs, and Josh Hazlewood collected 2/36, with Krunal Pandya supporting him with 1/28 on a small wicket that catered to bowlers.

Royal Challengers Bangalore Innings

In reply, Royal Challengers Bangalore chased 163 runs with four wickets remaining, ending with a score of 165/4 from 18.3 overs. Krunal Pandya was the player of the match with an unbeaten 73 runs off 47 balls, supported by a fluent 51 runs off 47 balls from Virat Kohli, before a late innings entry from Tim David, who ended with 19 runs off 20 balls. The DC bowlers will be happy that they managed to grab a few wickets, with Axar Patel taking 2/19 and Dushmantha Chameera 1/24. Vipraj Nigam ended not out on 0 runs from 12 balls, but the efforts from Pandya and Kohli got the job done.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Delhi Capitals Lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2025 Match 46

DC vs RCB: Post Match Reactions

Krunal Pandya (POTM): Krunal was really excited about the win and said it was nice to see all of his hard work pay off. Krunal said he knew what his job was; if early wickets came, he had to build partnerships.  He said he spoke to Virat Kohli when he came out to bat during the chase and could not speak highly enough of him for helping him along. Krunal also mentioned how he improved his bowling this season, identifying how to change his pace and calculate the strengths of the batters. 

Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain): Patidar described it as a complete team performance and put a spotlight on the bowlers, which limited Capitals to 162. Patidar also said that it was a great honor to lead RCB and learn from so many experienced players.

Virat Kohli (Orange Cap Holder): Kohli praised the partnership with Krunal after they had been put under pressure when RCB lost early wickets at 25/3 and mentioned the importance of building partnerships in T20s. Kohli said you have to read situations carefully and build innings, which is key to today's game. He also thanked Tim David and Romario Shepherd for providing the explosive lower-order firepower that helped RCB and also credited the bowling unit, especially Josh Hazlewood and Krunal.

Axar Patel (DC Captain): Axar thought they were 10-15 runs short. He said that they had lost wickets early when batting was tough, and then once it got dewy, it eased conditions. He also explained that losing wickets while trying to accelerate hurt them, and the decision to send KL Rahul to bat at No. 4 was based on matchups and the shorter boundary.

Also Read:  IPL 2025, Match 45: Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants Full Match Highlights

Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Match Scorecard

Delhi Capitals – 162/8 (20 Overs)

Royal Challengers – 165/4 (18.3 Overs)

The high-voltage match between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in IPL 2025 saw tempers flare when RCB’s former skipper Virat Kohli and DC wicket keeper KL Rahul engaged in a heated verbal exchange during the run chase. Chasing a stiff target off 163 after Delhi posted 162/8, RCB stumbled early, struggling to find momentum. Kohli, who was tasked with stabilizing the innings, looked composed until a tense moment erupted between him and Rahul. Though the exact reason behind the exchange wasn’t clear, the intensity between two of India cricket’s most competitive figures was briefly visible.

The confrontation unfolded during the middle overs of RCB’s innings. The legendary India batter seemed to initiate the interaction, saying something to Rahul, who responded with a helpless gesture. However, both players are renowned for their fiery spirits, quickly moved past the incident and refocused on the game. Kohli continued to guide RCB’s innings, trying to repair the shaky start. Despite the tension, the game moved on without further conflict, and the players maintained professionalism as the match progressed.

See Also: WATCH: Ravi Bishnoi teases Jasprit Bumrah after hitting him for six in MI vs LSG match

Tension had been brewing even before the exchange. The occasion occurred just before over 6.5, Rahul had a brief discussion with bowler Vipraj Nigam after DC players were warned by umpires for repositioning fielders improperly at the time of a free-hit delivery. The delay between deliveries seemed to frustrate Kohli, who later raised concerns with the umpires. The actual incident between Kohli and Rahul occurred after 7.4 overs when Delhi reviewed an LBW decision against Krunal Pandya. Combined delays and constant interruptions triggered Kohli’s displeasure during this high-pressure encounter.

Watch the video here;

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul having chat together during the match. pic.twitter.com/lkDilQyTDn

— Md Nagori (@Sulemannagori23) April 27, 2025

RCB cruise to top spot on points table

In Match 46 of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Delhi Capitals by six wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Batting first, Delhi Capitals posted 162/8 in 20 overs, with Karun Nair (44 off 44) and Rahul (41 off 39) being the top scorers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar led RCB’s bowling attack with 3/33, while Hazlewood picked up two wickets. Despite a few promising partnerships, Delhi struggled to accelerate throughout their innings and lost momentum towards the death overs.

Chasing 163, RCB’s innings got off to a shaky start, losing three wickets for just 26 runs. However, Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a composed 51 off 47 balls, and Krunal Pandya played a match-winning knock of 73* off 47 deliveries. Tim David's quickfire 19* ensured RCB crossed the finish line comfortably in 18.3 overs. Axar Patel was the standout bowler for Delhi, claiming two wickets, but DC’s efforts fell short as RCB sealed a crucial win.

A doubleheader On Sunday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take on Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium after the Mumbai Indians vs. Lucknow Super Giants match. The match is between the second- and third-positioned teams on the table: DC at 2 and RCB sitting at 3. Both of the teams have 12 points each.

If Bengaluru managed to win the match, then they would overhaul the second spot from DC, and if DC outclassed RCB, then the Axar Patel-led side will reach the top of the table with 14 points. Current table topper Gujarat Titans also has 12 points with their name.

In terms of the latest performances, DC and RCB are both on the same level; in the last 5 matches, both of the teams won 3 and lost 2. Cricket fans are curious to see what will happen when these two teams collide. In the last 5 encounters between these two sides, RCB slightly has better control over Capitals.

Read More: Abhishek Nayar and Paras Mhambrey are appointed as mentors in T20 Mumbai League 2025

In game 24, IPL 2025, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Patel's Delhi Capitals proved better than Rajat Patidar's RCB by 6 wickets. Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, and Tim David gained some important runs for their team, but KL Rahul, with 93 not out, was the brightest star of the night. Now, who will win in the next leg?

An AI chat box has predicted the result of DC vs. RCB IPL 2025 match

According to an AI chatbot, Delhi Capitals will again defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru with the help of KL Rahul and a spinner. According to AI, DC spinners can play a crucial role in the middle game, though Virat Kohli can get another 50, predicted by an AI chatbot. 

DC vs. RCB IPL 2025 match: AI predictions in 3 points:

1. Delhi Capitals spinner can control the game.

2. Virat Kohli can play another 50-run knock.

3. DC can win with the help of KL Rahul.