The IPL 2026 season isn’t just heating up on the field; it’s sizzling on social media too. Following the high-octane clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13, actress Shehnaaz Gill has found herself at the center of a viral dating rumour.
The actress was spotted in the stands energetically cheering for RCB, leading netizens to speculate about a blooming romance between her and RCB’s star batter, Devdutt Padikkal.
Speculation intensified after Shehnaaz posted a video on her Instagram capturing her excitement during the match. While some fans were quick to link the two, citing “Reddit rumours,” others pointed out that the pair doesn’t even follow each other on social media. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the “Shehnaaz-Devdutt” tag began trending, with many wondering if a new “actress-cricketer” power couple was in the making.
Fans Defend Shehnaaz Against “Baseless” Speculation
As the rumours gained traction, Shehnaaz’s loyal fanbase—the “Shehnaazians” rushed to her defense. Many fans argued that her presence at the stadium was simply a show of support for her favorite team and her admiration for Virat Kohli, rather than a romantic interest in Padikkal. “Can we normalize a famous personality watching a match without linking them to every player?” tweeted one frustrated fan, echoing the sentiment that every stadium appearance shouldn’t turn into a dating scandal.
Adding to the buzz, Shehnaaz also shared a picture with former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri in Raipur, calling him a “fun and kind soul.” While the internet continues to debate her relationship status, Shehnaaz remains focused on her professional front. She has a busy year ahead with projects like the Punjabi film Singh vs Kaur 2 and the Hindi film Sab First Class lined up for release.
RCB vs KKR: A Quick Match Look
- Venue: Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.
- Result: RCB emerged victorious following a stellar century by Virat Kohli.
- Devdutt Padikkal’s Form: The left-hander has been a consistent performer for the Bengaluru franchise throughout the 2026 season.