Bollywood star Anushka Sharma once again made headlines — not just for her spirited presence at the stadium cheering for husband Virat Kohli — but also for the mystery surrounding her companion during Royal Challengers Bengaluru 's (RCB) emphatic win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025.
RCB secured a commanding eight-wicket victory on Thursday in Mullanpur to book a spot in their fourth IPL final.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
While fans celebrated the on-field action, online chatter centered around the woman seated next to Anushka in the stands. Social media platforms like X were flooded with curious queries like, “Who is sitting with Anushka Sharma?” and “Who is the woman next to her?”
Who's that IPL player?
The woman in question is Malvika Nayak , a long-time friend of Anushka Sharma. The duo share a close bond and are often seen attending matches together or going on outings with their respective spouses. Malvika was also spotted alongside Anushka during RCB's recent clash against Lucknow Super Giants.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Malvika is an MBA graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and currently oversees Business Development & Partnerships at Innoz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Malvika is married to Nikhil Sosale, who serves as the Head of Marketing & Revenue for RCB at Diageo India. Anushka, Virat, Malvika and Nikhil have previously been seen hanging out together, making them one of the more recognisable friend circles off the pitch.
Anushka's consistent presence during RCB matches in IPL 2025 has been heartwarming for fans. With RCB now just one win away from a historic maiden title, the star actor's support from the stands remains a lucky charm.
RCB secured a commanding eight-wicket victory on Thursday in Mullanpur to book a spot in their fourth IPL final.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
While fans celebrated the on-field action, online chatter centered around the woman seated next to Anushka in the stands. Social media platforms like X were flooded with curious queries like, “Who is sitting with Anushka Sharma?” and “Who is the woman next to her?”
Who's that IPL player?
The woman in question is Malvika Nayak , a long-time friend of Anushka Sharma. The duo share a close bond and are often seen attending matches together or going on outings with their respective spouses. Malvika was also spotted alongside Anushka during RCB's recent clash against Lucknow Super Giants.
According to her LinkedIn profile, Malvika is an MBA graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education and currently oversees Business Development & Partnerships at Innoz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Got it- her name is Malavika Nayak and her husband is Nikhil Sosale who has a Diageo background (that owns RCB) and also now he manages all brand and publicity for RCB. pic.twitter.com/RFumcrUUxH
— KaustubhP (@causticcos) May 30, 2025
Malvika is married to Nikhil Sosale, who serves as the Head of Marketing & Revenue for RCB at Diageo India. Anushka, Virat, Malvika and Nikhil have previously been seen hanging out together, making them one of the more recognisable friend circles off the pitch.
Anushka's consistent presence during RCB matches in IPL 2025 has been heartwarming for fans. With RCB now just one win away from a historic maiden title, the star actor's support from the stands remains a lucky charm.
You may also like
Parents missing out on government scheme that could save up to £2,000
Career pathways in US dim for international students as Trump cracks down on visas
Feared by public support for us, 'fascist' Yunus regime blocked party's website, says Awami League
Oleksandr Usyk delivers verdict on Donald Trump and JD Vance's peace efforts in Ukraine
Trent Alexander-Arnold showed true colours with Sergio Ramos remark after Mo Salah incident