The 18th Indian Premier League began in style on Saturday, March 22, match between defending champions KKR and RCB. The Eden Gardens opening ceremony was replete with star power, music, and energy, with Shah Rukh Khan being the showstopper.

Singer Shreya Ghoshal got the proceedings underway with a soulful rendition of "Vande Mataram" before other artists followed with dazzling performances. The stadium was charged with electricity as the fans cheered the teams and the celebrations illuminated the night.

One of the highlights of the function was when SRK brought on board RCB's Virat Kohli and KKR's Rinku Singh to the stage. The three of them danced to Shah Rukh's biggest hits and enjoyed fun moments before thousands of people.

But one small incident between Virat and Rinku went viral on the internet. In a video clip doing the rounds on social media, Virat extends his arm for a fist bump, but Rinku appeared to miss it and passed by without even acknowledging. Fans were upset galore thinking that it was rude, but it became evident later that it was merely an honest miss.

ALSO SEE: IPL: Virat Kohli Dances with Shah Rukh Khan to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan"

The way Rinku Singh ignored Virat Kohli. 😹 Aura -1000 #KKRvsRCB
pic.twitter.com/zAKZm9o1v2

— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) March 22, 2025

Virat was not bothered in the least. The two laughed it off later, with Virat playfully referring to Rinku's dance as the "See-Saw" dance, which had the audience in stitches. Rinku danced to "Lutt Putt Gaya" with SRK, while Virat danced to "Jhoome Jo Pathaan."

It was a fun and lighthearted beginning to the season, illustrating the friendship and fun behind the sport. With regards to the game, RCB had won the toss and decided to bowl first, signaling another thrilling season of the IPL.

IPL 2025 match was launched with a ceremony at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. singer Shreya Ghoshal rendered "Vande Mataram" to a capacity crowd and it was simply wonderful.

Shreya stepped out onto the stage as the stadium lights dimmed. The Indian flag glowed brightly on the giant screens, and her voice resonated. The crowd remained in stunned silence, listening as she sang so passionately and patriotically.

The audience that was seated in the stands flapped flags, flashed their phone light, and even sang along. It was a moving moment that left many of them in goosebumps.

Once the song had ended, the cheers resumed and the game was underway. But for most people, Shreya Ghoshal's voice was the actual highlight of the night.

It was accompanied by a mesmerizing visual spectacle with the Indian tricolour waving triumphantly high over top-of-the-range giant LED screens and dancers swirling fluidly into synchronization with her. Tricolours had waved high in the hands of fans, tears streaming in numerous individuals as Shreya's voice washed over the anthem's closing chorus.

ALSO SEE: Why bhuvaneswar Kumar is not playing today's match KKR VS RCB: IPL 2025

Shreya Ghoshal singing "Vande Mataram" at Eden Gardens. 🇮🇳

- GOOSEBUMPS VIDEO...!!!! pic.twitter.com/NjjzUUXr3w

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 22, 2025

Social media soon filled up with congratulatory messages, with fans describing the show as "goosebumps-inducing" and "a perfect IPL start."

With that unforgettable musical homage, the stage was thus set for yet another exciting season of cricket. And Shreya Ghoshal's singing voice? It still resonated in the hearts of many well after the match started.

The moment India won the Champions Trophy 2025, the nation celebrated. Streets were filled with crowds waving flags, dancing, and cheering. The beat of drums and music filled the air as fans celebrated with complete passion. Fireworks filled the sky, and the smiles on people's faces reflected what this win meant to them.

Families came together to witness the momentous occasion, and as the last ball was bowled, feelings were at an all-time high. Strangers embraced each other, friends screamed in elation, and elders beamed with pride remembering past triumphs. It wasn't cricket alone; it was about the pride and solidarity of a whole nation uniting for a moment of joy.

The Celebrations in Jammu & Kashmir when Team India won the Champions Trophy 2025. 🇮🇳🏆 (ANI).pic.twitter.com/8m5Ly15UaM

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

CRAZY CELEBRATIONS IN WEST BENGAL WHEN INDIA WON CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🔥 (ANI).

pic.twitter.com/TpZfeSzoju

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

LOOK AT THE CELEBRATIONS IN DELHI WHEN INDIA WON CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🇮🇳🔥 (ANI).

pic.twitter.com/2FiPOYlQo3

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: Team India Lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai

THE CRAZY SCENES AT BHOPAL WHEN INDIA WON CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🤯🇮🇳 (ANI).pic.twitter.com/VC4W26erMn

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

THE MASSIVE CELEBRATIONS IN TELENGANA WHEN TEAM INDIA WON CHAMPIONS TROPHY. 🤯🔥 (ANI).pic.twitter.com/28qbIHjDjr

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 9, 2025

In the stadium, the atmosphere was one to remember. Fans leaped with joy, players hugged each other on the field, and the air was filled with slogans and applause. This win was not a trophy alone; it was a testament to how cricket brings together the hearts of millions of people in India.

Hardik Pandya kept his nerves to defend 16 runs in the last over to help India beat South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 final and clinch the ICC championship title after a 17-year wait. The scenes at the Kensington Oval in Barbados were a mix of jubilation and raw emotion, highlighting the significance of this triumph for the Indian team and its ardent supporters.

India’s batting innings

India’s innings began with early struggles as South African bowlers struck quickly. However, key partnerships, especially involving Virat Kohli and other middle-order batsmen, helped India stabilize and set a competitive total. Kohli’s experience and calm under pressure were vital in guiding the team.

See Also: Virat Kohli retires from T20I cricket after winning T20 World Cup 2024 final

South Africa’s chase

South Africa’s chase was marked by early breakthroughs from Indian bowlers, putting them on the back foot. Despite this, key partnerships and a spirited fightback kept the Proteas in the game, making the match a thrilling contest.

The final over drama

The last overs of the match were filled with tension as Hardik Pandya was tasked with defending 16 runs. Every ball became crucial, with Pandya showcasing immense composure and skill. His performance in the final over was a testament to his ability to handle pressure and deliver when it mattered most.

The winning moment

As the final wicket fell, securing India’s win, Rohit Sharma, the team’s captain, fell flat to the ground, overcome with emotion. Rahul Dravid, the team’s head coach, leaped out of his chair in celebration, embodying the relief and ecstasy felt by millions of Indian fans worldwide.

Rohit Sharma’s emotional reaction

Rohit Sharma’s reaction to the victory was a mix of relief and joy. The memory of past disappointments, especially the last final they reached undefeated but lost, seemed to flood back. This victory was not just about winning a trophy; it was about overcoming past failures and vindicating years of effort and dedication.

Rahul Dravid’s celebration

Rahul Dravid’s reaction was a moment of pure joy. Known for his calm demeanor, Dravid’s leap of celebration highlighted the significance of the win for him and the entire team. His guidance and mentorship have been crucial in shaping the team’s success.

Hardik Pandya’s redemption

Hardik Pandya, who faced immense scrutiny and criticism in recent years, was seen in tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the moment. From being labelled public enemy number one in India to becoming a world champion, Pandya’s journey epitomizes resilience and redemption. His tears of joy symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

Virat Kohli’s role

Virat Kohli, a key player in India’s cricket history, mirrored the scenes from 2011 when he carried his idol on his shoulders after India’s World Cup victory. This time, he was seen hugging everyone in his eyeline, sharing the joy and relief of this monumental win. Kohli’s contributions throughout the tournament were pivotal in India’s success.

The team’s celebration

The Indian players, drenched in ecstasy, flooded the playing field as the dugout emptied to join the celebrations. The crowd, roaring at the top of their lungs, created a deafening soundscape that reverberated around the stadium. The joy and excitement were palpable as the team celebrated their historic win.

The atmosphere in the stadium

The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. The crowd’s reaction and energy played a significant role in boosting the players’ morale. The sight of fans celebrating, waving flags, and chanting was a testament to the passion and love for cricket in India.

South Africa’s heartbreak

For South Africa, it was another heartbreak as they fell short, unable to clinch the title. The team fought valiantly, but the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Reflection on their journey highlighted their resilience and determination, promising a stronger comeback in future tournaments.