Virat Kohli is one of the most iconic and admired cricket players around the world. His every move, appearance, and picture makes headlines, and fans are always curious to know more about his personal life. Recently, he left everyone shocked after announcing his retirement from test format cricket. Known for his fiery passion for the game and consistent performance, his decision left fans upset. They wanted to see him play more and decided to pay tribute by wearing a white test jersey for his IPL team’s playoff match on May 17, 2025. However, it got canceled due to rain, and while the emotions are still running high, the former Indian cricket team captain was seen unwinding with his wife, Anushka Sharma and RCB teammates at a pickleball match.
Virat Kohli teams up with Anushka Sharma for a pickleball match
Recently, the Instagram handle of Royals Challengers Bengaluru shared a series of pictures where the team members and staff were seen relaxing and playing a friendly match of pickleball. It also gave fans a glimpse of Virat Kohli’s fun side as he shared laughs and gave a high-five to his wife, Anushka Sharma, in the first picture. In the friendly game, which took place after RCB’s last match got washed out due to rain, other players also brought their family members to enjoy some time outside the cricketing field.
Apart from Virat Kohli, former cricketer and RCB’s mentor, Dinesh Karthik was also joined by his wife, squash champion, Dipika Pallikal who sided with him in the match. At the same time, other players like Phil Salt, Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar among others participated in the game. In the pictures, Anushka Sharma was seen dressed in a white, half-sleeved athletic T-shirt with maroon leggings and black sports shoes. On the other hand, Virat wore a bright blue athletic T-shirt with black shorts and black sports shoes.
Netizens react to Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s pickleball match
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s picture together, along with other RCB players, went viral in no time, and fans flooded the comments section admiring the couple. One netizen praised how Virat Kohli started playing a new sport after announcing retirement from cricket’s longest format and penned, “Bro already started playing a new sport, Olympics medal coming soon.” Another user was excited at Anushka’s arrival in the RCB camp since she wasn’t seen watching any match of the team and wrote, “Finally the Queen has arrived.” Simultaneously, a fan wondered if Anushka would watch the upcoming playoff games and commented, ‘Means Anushka is coming in the next match cheering for RCB.”
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the test in a simple Instagram post
Virat Kohli has always been open about his love for test cricket being his favourite format of the game. He assumed the captaincy in the test at a time when India was struggling in the format and took it to the top; he has a record of unprecedented wins across the globe and is credited for changing the face of Tests in India. But he shocked everyone after announcing his retirement from test format ahead of India’s five-match tour to England in June 2025. Taking to his Instagram handle, Virat shared a picture of himself in the white Indian jersey and penned:
“There’s something deeply personal about playing in white. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
What do you think about Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s friendly pickleball match with other RCB players before the playoffs?
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