On December 30th, the Melbourne Cricket Ground became more than just a battleground for India and Australia—it turned into a stage where emotions, drama, and real-life heartbeats played out for the world to see.
Amid the tense atmosphere, the spotlight briefly shifted away from the action on the pitch and landed on two familiar faces in the crowd: Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty.

Both actresses, who are used to facing the glare of the spotlight themselves, were now simply sitting there, rooting for their husbands—Virat Kohli and KL Rahul—as they faced the Aussies in the fourth Test match.
But instead of witnessing their husbands’ usual stellar performances, Anushka and Athiya found themselves grappling with a much different, far more personal scenario: two early wickets, leaving their husbands out of the game before it had even truly begun.
KL Rahul, who is preparing for fatherhood, was dismissed for a duck after just five balls, while the ever-popular Virat Kohli departed after scoring a mere five runs in 29 balls. With India at a precarious 33/3, the couple’s faces told a story of disappointment, worry, and support. Their reactions—hands on their faces, eyes filled with concern—spoke volumes about the emotional toll of watching your loved ones struggle on the field.
Behind every cricketer, there’s a partner cheering them on through every run, every wicket, and every heart-wrenching moment. The true game, it turns out, isn’t just played with the bat and ball—it’s played in the heart.
Social media, particularly Reddit, was ablaze with reactions to Anushka and Athiya’s heartfelt expressions. One Reddit user commented, “Whole India's reaction after seeing them perform today,” while others questioned Anushka’s shock, pointing out that Kohli’s recent performances hadn’t been up to his usual standard.
“Shocked? They should be mad at them,” one wrote, adding fuel to the fire of fan speculation about their performances. Despite the playful criticism, many could relate to the palpable anxiety that comes with seeing a loved one in a difficult spot.
Away from the cricket field, both Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty have been taking a step back from their acting careers. Anushka has been on a break since the birth of her first child, Vamika, and the arrival of her second son, Akaay, earlier this year. Athiya, too, has been focusing on her personal life with KL Rahul, and the couple recently made a joyful announcement on Instagram that they’re expecting their first child in 2025. In Melbourne, Athiya’s baby bump was visible, adding a sweet layer to the day's emotional rollercoaster.
Regardless, Anushka and Athiya’s reactions were a reminder that cricket isn’t just a sport—it’s a spectacle that involves families, emotions, and the constant balancing act between personal lives and public expectations. While their husbands faced tough dismissals, the wives were left to manage their emotions in the stands.