NEW DELHI: The IPL 2025 opening ceremony reached its emotional crescendo when Virat Kohli joined Shah Rukh Khan on stage for a truly iconic moment at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
As the energy peaked and the celebrations built toward a dazzling finale, Kohli was felicitated with the “IPL 18” memento — a tribute to his incredible 18-season journey in the league and his undying impact on Indian cricket.
The Eden Gardens crowd erupted with thunderous applause, acknowledging the legacy of a player who has defined the IPL era. But what followed next sent the stadium into a frenzy.
In a scene straight out of a Bollywood blockbuster, King Kohli and King Khan broke into an impromptu dance, lighting up the stage with infectious energy.
SRK, ever the showman, pulled Kohli in with his trademark charm, and the duo matched steps effortlessly, triggering deafening cheers across the stands.
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Fans caught glimpses of a rare side of Kohli — relaxed, joyous, and soaking in every second of the celebration.
The camaraderie between the superstar cricketer and the megastar actor created a moment that was equal parts magical and memorable.
Adding to the aura, KKR’s Rinku Singh soon joined the duo on stage, drawing more cheers from the crowd.
The trio’s presence together was symbolic — a bridge between the past, present, and future of Indian cricket and entertainment.
It was a snapshot of the IPL’s spirit: iconic, unexpected, and larger than life.
As the crowd caught its breath, a massive cake was rolled out to mark the 18th edition of the IPL — what SRK fondly dubbed the league’s “adulthood.”
With celebrations in full swing, the ceremony then drew to a close with the national anthem, grounding the evening in pride and unity.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and IPL live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
