Virat Kohli embraces Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after IPL 2026 Final; video goes viral – A Heartwarming Moment

Rafiq Hasan · 01/06/2026 · 5 min read

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, the chant of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu!’ has become a cherished reality, not once, but twice. After an 18-year wait for their maiden title, they now proudly proclaim “The cup is ours!” for the second consecutive season. At the heart of this historic double triumph, as always, stands the iconic figure of Virat Kohli, whose leadership and batting prowess have once again steered his team to glory.

Amidst the jubilant celebrations and the glittering presentation ceremony following the IPL 2026 Final, a truly touching moment unfolded that has since gone viral across social media and cricket platforms. While the spotlight naturally shone on the winning side, Virat Kohli, with characteristic sportsmanship and empathy, sought out 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The young prodigy had a sensational individual season, claiming the Orange Cap, Emerging Player of the Season, Super Striker of the Season (with an astonishing strike rate of 237.3), Super Sixes of the Season (72 maximums), and the Most Valuable Player award – a truly remarkable haul for a player of his age. Yet, the IPL winning trophy eluded him. In a gesture that has resonated deeply with fans, Kohli placed a supportive hand on Vaibhav’s back, offering words of encouragement that are now etched into the young player’s memory.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s individual performance throughout IPL 2026 was nothing short of spectacular. His pure attacking batting approach propelled him to the top of the rankings, showcasing a fearless attitude rarely seen in players, especially those so young. Without any hesitation, the emerging opener took on some of the best bowlers in the world, dismantling attacks with a maturity that belied his tender age. His aggressive style, coupled with an uncanny ability to find boundaries, made him one of the most exciting talents to watch this season, earning him every one of his prestigious individual accolades.

The moment Virat Kohli approached Vaibhav to show his support and share a brief, heartfelt exchange immediately captured the attention of cricket fans worldwide. It was a powerful display of mentorship and camaraderie, highlighting the spirit of cricket beyond the intense competition. For Vaibhav, it was undoubtedly another unforgettable chapter in his nascent career, receiving words of wisdom and a tangible sign of respect from a legend who has seen and achieved it all. At the presentation ceremony, a visibly moved Vaibhav expressed that the moment felt incredibly special and vowed to return next season even stronger, a promise that has filled fans with anticipation.

RCB’s Dominant Title Defense

Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their hard-earned title, defeating the Gujarat Titans (GT) in a compelling Final of the IPL 2026 season. The grand finale took place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where Bengaluru once again asserted their dominance. RCB outplayed Gujarat in all departments in the summit clash, showcasing a complete team effort that cemented their status as the league’s top team for the second year running.

The match saw Gujarat Titans post a total of 155, a score that, as GT skipper Shubman Gill himself admitted after the match, was simply not enough to pose a strong challenge on the pitch. Gill suggested that a target in the range of 180 to 190 would have been a more competitive score, reflecting the batting-friendly conditions and RCB’s formidable lineup. Despite the efforts of the GT bowlers, the target proved to be insufficient against a determined Royal Challengers side.

Virat Kohli: The Architect of Victory

Once again, Virat Kohli emerged as the undisputed star of the match. The talismanic batter of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru led his team from the front in the crucial run chase, demonstrating why he remains one of the greatest cricketers of all time. It was another masterclass of a knock – well-controlled, composed, and executed with an elegance that made it look effortless, despite the immense pressure of an IPL final. Kohli’s ability to anchor the innings while accelerating at will was on full display, guiding RCB steadily towards their target.

Bengaluru comfortably surpassed the target in just 18 overs, with the winning runs coming emphatically off Virat Kohli’s bat, a magnificent maximum that sealed the victory in style. He remained unbeaten on 75 runs, facing only 42 balls, an innings studded with both power and precision. For his exemplary performance under pressure, the star batter was deservingly named the Player of the Match in the IPL 2026 final. At the age of 37, winning a Player of the Match award in an IPL final is yet another remarkable achievement for Kohli, further burnishing his already legendary career.

This victory marks a significant milestone for RCB, solidifying their place among the IPL’s elite. Their back-to-back titles are a testament to their strategic planning, consistent player performances, and the unwavering belief within the squad. This era of dominance, spearheaded by figures like Kohli and supported by a strong team ethos, has finally delivered the sustained success that their passionate fanbase has long yearned for.

IPL Title Wins: A Look at the Champions

Mumbai Indians: 5 titles
Chennai Super Kings: 5 titles
Kolkata Knight Riders: 3 titles
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 2 titles

Oldest Players to Win Player of the Match in an IPL Final

38y 219d – Anil Kumble (RCB, 2009)
37y 207d – Virat Kohli (RCB, 2026)
37y 94d – Faf du Plessis (CSK, 2021)
36y 344d – Shane Watson (CSK, 2018)

The IPL 2026 Final will be remembered not only for RCB’s triumphant defense of their title and Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance but also for the poignant moment of sportsmanship between two generations of cricketers. The image of Virat Kohli embraces Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after IPL 2026 Final; video goes viral, serving as a powerful reminder that beyond the fierce competition, cricket remains a game of respect, mentorship, and inspiring connections. As Vaibhav Sooryavanshi promises to return stronger, and as RCB continues its reign, the future of the IPL promises even more captivating stories and thrilling encounters.

Rafiq Hasan

Rafiq Hasan is the chief cricket correspondent for The Daily Star, Bangladesh's largest English-language newspaper. Over his two-decade career, he has chronicked the rise of Bangladesh cricket from perennial underdogs to a formidable force in world cricket. Hasan has covered every major ICC event featuring Bangladesh and reported from the press boxes of Lord's, the MCG, and Mirpur. He has a deep understanding of the country's cricket ecosystem—from the Dhaka Premier League rivalries to the politics of the BCB. Known for his balanced analysis and insider access to the dressing room, he wrote the widely acclaimed long-form series "Tigers' Roar: How Bangladesh Changed the Cricket Map." A graduate of the University of Dhaka, Hasan is also a respected voice on global cricket diplomacy, exploring how the sport affects the balance of power in South Asia.