Anushka Sharma's enthusiastic support for her husband Virat Kohli during IPL matches is a common sight. However, cricket fans have recently been captivated by a woman frequently seen by her side in the stands, sparking widespread curiosity across social media.

Numerous questions like "Who is she?" and "Who is the woman next to Anushka?" flooded online platforms and even AI search tools. While some initial guesses incorrectly pointed towards Virat Kohli's sister-in-law, Bhawna Kohli, or Harbhajan Singh's wife, Geeta Basra, the mystery companion has been identified.

According to reports, the woman is Malvika Nayak, a close and long-time friend of Anushka Sharma. The two share a strong bond and are often seen attending cricket matches together. Their friendship extends beyond the stadium, as they reportedly go on outings and even double dates with their respective spouses.

Malvika Nayak is an accomplished professional. Her LinkedIn profile indicates she is an MBA graduate from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Currently, she holds a position in Business Development and Partnerships at Innoz Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Malvika's connection to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and her frequent appearances with Anushka at their matches is further explained by her marriage to Nikhil Sosale. Nikhil serves as the Head of Marketing & Revenue for RCB at Diageo India. The two couples, Anushka-Virat and Malvika-Nikhil, have been spotted spending time together socially, making them a recognizable friend circle off the pitch.

Anushka Sharma has been a consistent and heartwarming presence at RCB matches, visibly cheering for the team. Her joy was particularly evident when RCB booked their spot in their fourth IPL final, following a commanding eight-wicket victory in Mullanpur. A memorable moment was captured after this crucial match when Virat Kohli looked towards Anushka and gestured "One more to go," signifying the final hurdle, to which Anushka responded with a beaming smile and applause.

Malvika Nayak herself has also caught the public eye for her reactions during matches. For instance, during a game between Lucknow Super Giants and RCB, she was reportedly seen mouthing the word ‘stupid’ in reaction to Rishab Pant’s somersault celebration after he scored a century.

With RCB aiming for a historic title, Anushka Sharma's unwavering support from the stands is often regarded by fans as a lucky charm for the team. Her presence alongside her friend Malvika Nayak has added an interesting off-field dimension to the IPL viewing experience.