Virat Kohli, widely regarded as one of the safest fielders at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, had an uncharacteristic moment in the IPL 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Known for his sharp reflexes and athleticism, Kohli dropped a difficult chance, reminding fans that even the very best are not immune to errors in a game as unpredictable as cricket.
The moment came on the third ball of the 18th over when Aniket Verma attempted to take on Bhuvneshwar Kumar with a powerful shot down the ground. However, he failed to time the ball properly, sending it high into the night sky. Kohli, positioned at long-on, sprinted forward and covered significant ground to settle under the catch.
For a brief moment, it looked like a routine dismissal for a fielder of his calibre. Kohli judged the trajectory well and got into position, but the ball slipped through his grasp at the last second, handing Verma a crucial lifeline. In the stands, Anushka Sharma was seen reacting with a smile, capturing a light-hearted moment amid the tension of the game.
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The missed opportunity proved costly for RCB. Verma capitalised on the second chance and went on to play a blistering cameo, scoring 43 runs off just 18 deliveries. His innings, laced with four sixes and three boundaries, came at an explosive strike rate of 238.89 and provided late momentum to SRH’s total.
The ball bursts through Virat’s hands and Mrs. Kohli has a smile. Aniket survives.#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma #TATAIPL #RCBvSRH #KhelBindaas #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/U8OCXkqKed
— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) March 28, 2026
The ball bursts through Virat’s hands and Mrs. Kohli has a smile. Aniket survives.#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma #TATAIPL #RCBvSRH #KhelBindaas #PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 #Bengaluru pic.twitter.com/U8OCXkqKed
— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) March 28, 2026
Verma’s contribution complemented a match-defining knock from Ishan Kishan, who led from the front with a commanding 80 off 38 balls. Alongside Heinrich Klaasen, the trio powered Hyderabad to a formidable 201/9 in their 20 overs after Rajat Patidar opted to field first.
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Despite the setback in the field, RCB had positives to take from their bowling performance. Debutant Jacob Duffy impressed with figures of 3/22, stepping up in the absence of Josh Hazlewood. Romario Shepherd also picked up three wickets, though he proved expensive, conceding runs at a higher rate during the death overs.
