In the grand theatre of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where high-octane cricket, roaring crowds, and nail-biting finishes dominate the headlines, it’s not often that a quiet, personal moment becomes the most talked-about takeaway from a match.
But on the evening of April 20, 2025, under the Mullanpur lights, a scene far away from the scoreboard stole the spotlight. Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) emphatic seven-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS), a brief interaction between Virat Kohli and Preity Zinta, the co-owner of PBKS and celebrated Bollywood actress, offered fans a window into a softer, more intimate side of the game.
The Viral Moment: Kohli Shares a Father’s Pride
As players from both teams wrapped up the post-match formalities with smiles and handshakes, a heartwarming clip emerged. In it, Virat Kohli—fresh off a masterclass unbeaten 73—is seen holding his phone, scrolling momentarily, before turning it toward Preity Zinta, who eagerly leans in.
Within seconds, her face lights up—eyes wide with joy, followed by a grin that was nothing short of contagious. While no audio captured their exchange, the body language was enough for the internet sleuths and cricket romantics to piece together the story.
“Virat Kohli showing photos of Vamika and Akaay to Preity Zinta!”
— That’s the headline fans ran with, and frankly, few doubted it.
Match Recap: Kohli’s On-Field Brilliance
Before we dive into the off-field warmth, it’s worth revisiting Kohli’s performance that evening—a performance that reminded everyone why he remains one of the most loved and lethal batters in world cricket.
Chasing 166 on a two-paced Mullanpur surface, RCB were wobbling early after losing Faf du Plessis cheaply. But then, Kohli walked in with purpose, crafting an innings that was equal parts caution and class. His 73 off 54 balls*, laced with trademark drives and timely acceleration, ensured RCB cruised home with five balls to spare.
It wasn’t just a Player of the Match effort—it was a father, a leader, and a cricketing icon doing what he’s done best for nearly two decades.
A Moment That Touched Millions: Preity’s Reaction Says It All
After the final runs were hit and the handshakes concluded, it was Kohli and Preity’s exchange that became the post-match highlight—not just for fans of RCB or PBKS, but for anyone who appreciates human connection amidst the frenzy of fame and competition.
Preity Zinta, known for her effervescence and authenticity, didn’t try to mask her emotion. Her eyes sparkled with the kind of joy only adorable baby photos can evoke. The way she covered her mouth mid-laugh, the head tilt, the twinkle—it all screamed one thing: “Aww, they’re so cute!”
And that’s what made it special. This wasn’t scripted content or an orchestrated PR moment. This was pure, unscripted, human.
The Dad Side of Virat Kohli: From Firebrand to Father Figure
Since becoming a father in 2021 to daughter Vamika, and again in 2024 with the birth of Akaay, Kohli has undergone a visible emotional evolution. The aggressive, animated firebrand we saw in his early years still exists—but now, it coexists with something deeper: a sense of calm, of grounding, of joy drawn from life outside the cricket field.
“Fatherhood has changed me. It brings perspective,” Kohli had shared in an earlier interview. “No matter how big the game is, coming home to your child smiling at you—there’s nothing like it.”
That love for his children, that quiet pride, was on full display in this viral moment with Preity. It wasn’t just about showing photos—it was about sharing a part of his soul with someone who, despite being on the opposing side that night, is a fellow parent and friend.
Preity Zinta: Actress, Owner, and Cricket’s Favorite Cheerleader
Over the years, Preity Zinta has evolved from a Bollywood A-lister into a beloved cricketing figure, synonymous with Punjab Kings. Her energy in the stands, her never-say-die attitude despite PBKS’s rollercoaster seasons, and her warm camaraderie with players across franchises have made her a fan favorite.
She’s not just a team owner; she’s a sporting soul, someone who celebrates good cricket regardless of who plays it.
Which is why her affection in this exchange with Kohli wasn’t surprising—it was genuine respect and fondness, both for the cricketer and the father he’s become.
Fans React: ‘Wholesome Content We Needed’
The internet, as expected, erupted in joy. Social media timelines were flooded with screenshots, short reels, and fan edits, many accompanied by heart emojis and emotional captions.
“Can we please have more of this and less toxicity on cricket Twitter?”
“Two icons. One heartwarming moment. Thank you, Internet.”
“Vamika and Akaay winning hearts without even being there.”
“Preity Zinta’s smile could light up a stadium.”
For a fanbase often caught in intense debates, criticism, and rivalry, this moment served as a gentle reminder of the soft power of sports—the ability to unite, to heal, and to humanize.
Private Yet Public: Kohli’s Balance Between Family and Fame
Virat and Anushka Sharma have long maintained a conscious boundary between their public lives and the privacy of their children. From requesting media to refrain from photographing Vamika during public outings to avoiding any direct social media posts revealing their faces, the couple has walked the tightrope of modern celebrity parenting with grace.
This makes Kohli’s moment with Preity all the more intimate. It wasn’t for the cameras. It wasn’t for the world. It was for a friend. The fact that it got captured anyway—without violating that core privacy—made it even more special.
Akaay and Vamika: Cricket’s Most Adored Yet Unseen Kids
Despite being kept largely away from the public eye, Vamika and Akaay are already mini-celebrities in the cricketing world. Fans often speculate what sports they’ll play, whom they resemble, or what nicknames they’re given at home.
It’s a testament to Kohli and Anushka’s immense popularity and the emotional investment fans have in their journey.
This viral moment with Preity gave the world a tiny peek—a soft affirmation that fatherhood is central to who Virat Kohli is today.
RCB’s Victory and Kohli’s Resurgence: All in a Day’s Work
While the post-match buzz was dominated by the candid moment, RCB fans also had plenty to celebrate on the cricket front.
Kohli’s 73* not only secured two crucial points but also sent a message—King Kohli is back in red-hot form, and he’s enjoying his cricket.
With this being one of RCB’s stronger starts in recent years, fans are daring to dream again. And moments like the one with Preity only add to the emotional fabric that keeps the RCB faithful so invested.
Cricket’s Real Victory is in Moments Like These
As much as the IPL thrives on sixes, yorkers, and super overs, its soul lies in the moments between the moments—a hug after a tense finish, a shared laugh between rivals, a father proudly showing baby photos to a friend in the enemy camp.
What we witnessed between Virat Kohli and Preity Zinta was one such moment. It transcended the scoreboard. It bypassed the noise. It reminded us why we love this game—not just for its drama, but for its humanity.
So the next time someone asks what cricket is really about, maybe skip the stats and point them to this moment:
Virat Kohli, phone in hand, heart full of love.
Preity Zinta, smile wide, joy in her eyes.
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