In a spectacle that blended cricket and cinema, Rishabh Pant’s blistering century during the final league game of IPL 2025 not only lit up the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow but also captured the internet’s heart through a viral moment featuring Bollywood icon Anushka Sharma. This unforgettable evening saw Pant orchestrate a stunning turnaround for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), setting social media ablaze with reactions and memes.
Pant, who had been grappling with a dismal season—managing just 151 runs at an average of 13.73 and a strike rate of 107.09—chose the perfect stage to rediscover his magic. Smashing a 54-ball hundred, the fastest ever by an LSG batter, he powered his side to a commanding 227-3. This was only his second IPL century, following his iconic unbeaten 128 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Partnering with Mitchell Marsh, who scored a brisk 67 off 37 balls, Pant forged a devastating 152-run stand, leaving RCB’s bowlers shell-shocked after they opted to field first.
As Pant unleashed havoc in the closing overs, television cameras panned to Anushka Sharma in the stands, capturing her jaw-dropping reaction to the onslaught. The irony wasn’t lost on fans: Pant, a pivotal Indian team player, regained his form against the franchise led by Anushka’s husband, Virat Kohli, in a must-win encounter. Clips and memes of Anushka’s stunned expression flooded platforms like X and Instagram, with hashtags like #PantStorm and #AnushkaReaction trending within minutes. One fan tweeted, ‘Even Anushka can’t believe Pant’s timing—peak drama against RCB!’
For RCB, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A victory here would secure them a berth in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, granting a coveted double chance to reach the IPL final. However, Pant’s return to form and LSG’s mammoth total have turned this chase into a daunting uphill battle. RCB’s middle order, already tested this season, will need a miracle to overcome a target that averages out to over 11 runs per over—a tall order even for a batting lineup featuring Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.
Statistically, Pant’s knock adds to his growing legacy as one of India’s most dynamic wicketkeeper-batters. His strike rate of over 185 during this innings underlines his ability to shift gears under pressure. Fun fact: Pant now holds the record for the most sixes by an LSG batter in a single IPL match, clearing the ropes an astonishing 8 times on this electric evening. Beyond the numbers, his resurgence sends a strong message ahead of India’s upcoming international commitments, including the highly anticipated Test series against Australia.
As the dust settles on this blockbuster clash, two narratives dominate: Pant’s redemption arc and Anushka Sharma’s unintended cameo as the face of collective shock. For LSG, this performance isn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it’s a statement of intent. For RCB, it’s a moment to regroup and fight another day. One thing is certain: cricket fans will be talking about this night for a long time, both for the on-field fireworks and the off-field viral buzz.