Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar hug as RCB beat Mumbai Indians; Virat Kohli complains of headache to Anushka Sharma
Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar hug as RCB beat Mumbai Indians; Virat Kohli complains of headache to Anushka SharmaTwitter

MI vs RCB, IPL 2026: Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar were spotted sharing a warm hug after Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Mumbai Indians, leaving fans delighted over the heartwarming moment. The viral exchange took place during the customary post-match handshakes, where both legends greeted each other with smiles, while Anushka Sharma was seen applauding from the stands.

In another talking point from the match, Virat Kohli did not come out to field after scoring a half-century against Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium, sparking injury speculation. Kohli was seen wearing a jacket and sitting in the dugout while RCB defended a massive total of 240. This raised questions about his fitness, which RCB captain Rajat Patidar addressed in the post-match press conference.

The moment also reminded fans of the 2011 ODI World Cup, when Kohli carried Tendulkar on his shoulders at the same venue after India's historic win under MS Dhoni's captaincy. The clip quickly went viral on social media.

Patidar said he was not fully aware of Kohli's situation but believed everything was fine. "I do not know yet, but I feel that he is okay right now," he said.

He also praised the team's performance, adding: "Whenever we come here in Mumbai, especially at this ground, the atmosphere, the fans, and playing in a packed stadium give a different feeling. Virat Bhai and Phil Salt gave us a strong start, which kept us in control. Later, a good cameo by me and Tim David made it a complete team effort."

Earlier in the day, RCB posted a strong total of 240/4, powered by blazing half-centuries from Phil Salt (78) and Rajat Patidar (53), along with a composed fifty from Virat Kohli. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma bowled well on a pitch that offered little assistance, helping RCB maintain pressure on the Mumbai Indians.

Despite a valiant 31-ball 71 from Sherfane Rutherford and a 68-run partnership with Mitchell Santner, Mumbai Indians fell short as they suffered their third consecutive defeat. A major concern for the five-time champions was the hamstring injury to Rohit Sharma, who retired hurt during the sixth over.

With this win, RCB registered their third victory in four matches, moving to six points and third place in the table behind Rajasthan Royals (8) and Punjab Kings (7).

RCB will next face Lucknow on April 15 at their home ground, where they will look to continue their winning momentum.

Kohli's composed 50 off 38 balls laid the foundation for the innings, including a 120-run opening stand with Phil Salt.