Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a clinical performance to crush Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The victory secured RCB’s spot in their fourth IPL final, bringing them tantalizingly close to a maiden title. While the on-field heroics, led by Virat Kohli’s match-defining knock, thrilled fans, it was Bollywood star Anushka Sharma in the stands who stole a slice of the spotlight—not just for her unwavering support, but for the mystery surrounding her companion.
As cameras panned to Anushka cheering passionately for her husband and RCB, social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) erupted with curiosity. Netizens couldn’t help but zoom in on the woman seated beside her, with trending questions like, “Who is sitting with Anushka Sharma?” and “Who’s the lady next to her?” dominating online conversations. The internet’s detective mode was activated, and speculation ran rife about the identity of this ‘mystery friend.’
After much buzz, the enigma was solved. The woman in question is Malvika Nayak, a close, long-time friend of Anushka Sharma. The duo shares a deep bond, often spotted together at IPL matches or enjoying casual outings with their respective spouses. Malvika was also seen supporting RCB alongside Anushka during their recent clash against Lucknow Super Giants earlier in the season. Digging deeper, Malvika’s LinkedIn profile reveals she is an MBA graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and currently holds the position of overseeing Business Development & Partnerships at Innoz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Adding a layer of connection to RCB, Malvika is married to Nikhil Sosale, who serves as the Head of Marketing & Revenue for RCB at Diageo India. This tight-knit group—Anushka, Virat, Malvika, and Nikhil—has often been seen socializing off the pitch, cementing their status as one of cricket’s most recognizable friend circles. Their camaraderie adds a personal touch to the electrifying atmosphere of IPL matches.
Anushka’s consistent presence at RCB games throughout IPL 2025 has been a source of delight for fans. Often hailed as RCB’s “lucky charm,” her spirited cheers from the stands have coincided with the team’s remarkable turnaround this season. With RCB now just one win away from scripting history by clinching their first-ever IPL trophy, Anushka’s support—along with her intriguing companion—continues to capture hearts both on and off the field. As the final looms, the question remains: will this dynamic duo witness RCB lift the coveted title?