Bengaluru: A heartwarming moment involving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Virat Kohli and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) youngster Tiwari on the other hand has gone viral following their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The incident, captured on video and widely shared across social media, showed the young pacer attempting to touch Kohli’s feet — a traditional Indian gesture of respect — before being gently stopped by the former India captain.

Viral moment captures spirit of respect

After the conclusion of the match, Kohli was seen interacting with a group of LSG players, including Naman Tiwari and Mukul Choudhary. During the brief conversation, Tiwari suddenly bent down in an attempt to touch Kohli’s feet.

Caught off guard, Kohli quickly reacted by stopping the youngster mid-gesture and lifting him up, before breaking into a smile. The moment reflected not just the admiration younger cricketers have for Kohli, but also the senior player’s humility and sportsmanship.

The clip quickly gained traction online, with fans praising Kohli’s reaction and highlighting the bond between senior and emerging players in Indian cricket.

Rising star Naman Tiwari

Naman Tiwari, who was picked by LSG for ₹1 crore after a bidding contest with Rajasthan Royals, is considered one of the promising young talents in the league. While still early in his IPL journey, moments like these underline the inspiration that established players like Kohli provide to newcomers.

Such interactions often go beyond the boundary ropes, showcasing the cultural values and mutual respect that remain an integral part of the game.

Kohli leads RCB to victory

The touching moment came after Kohli once again delivered with the bat, playing a crucial role in RCB’s five-wicket win over LSG. Chasing a modest target of 146, Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent 49 off 34 balls.

His knock included six boundaries and a six, setting the tone for a comfortable chase that was completed in just 15.1 overs.

Despite missing out on a half-century, Kohli’s contribution ensured that RCB climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 points table, continuing their strong run in the tournament.

Kohli opens up on fitness concerns

Speaking after the match, Kohli admitted that he is still not at peak fitness but was satisfied with his effort on the field.

“Much better than the last game. I’m still not 100%. My knee was a bit sore last game. Even health-wise, I’ve been under the weather for four or five days now. So, just getting back up to my best,” he said.

The veteran batter was seen training with his left knee strapped ahead of the match, indicating ongoing recovery concerns. Nevertheless, he maintained a high level of intensity during his innings.

“I started off well today, so I was happy with my intensity. Again, would have liked to carry on and finish the game off. Sometimes you have to take the conditions into account as well,” he added.

Orange Cap holder in IPL 2026

Kohli’s consistency with the bat has been a major factor in RCB’s success this season. With 228 runs at an impressive average of 57, he currently holds the Orange Cap in IPL 2026.

Even as he manages fitness issues, his ability to anchor innings and guide chases continues to make him one of the most influential players in the tournament.

Conclusion

The viral moment between Virat Kohli and Naman Tiwari served as a reminder that cricket is as much about respect and values as it is about competition. While Kohli’s on-field performances continue to drive RCB forward, his off-field gestures further cement his stature as a role model for the next generation.