The dawn of 2026 saw cricket's biggest stars joining the global celebration, taking to social media to share their joy and New Year wishes with millions of fans worldwide. From heartfelt messages to glimpses of personal celebrations, players like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and Jasprit Bumrah ensured their followers were part of their festive moments.
Kohli's Domestic Dominance and Family Celebration
Virat Kohli, the former Indian captain, posted a warm picture with his wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, to mark the occasion. This comes amid a prolific phase in his cricketing career. Having retired from Test cricket earlier, Kohli has translated his exceptional ODI form into the domestic arena.
He is currently featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, marking his first appearance in the tournament in over a decade. Representing his state side, Kohli has immediately made an impact, recording impressive scores of 131 and 77 in the competition, demonstrating that his appetite for runs remains undiminished.
A Galaxy of Stars Extend New Year Greetings
Kohli was far from alone in spreading cheer. His former Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammates, the legendary AB de Villiers and the 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle, also shared their wishes. Gayle took to X (formerly Twitter) with his characteristic flair, writing, "Happy New Year Everyone! Hope 2026 will be a better one ???? Wish Yall happiness and success ???????? #UniverseBoss."
The wave of greetings included current and former Indian cricketers as well. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah shared an Instagram post, while 2011 World Cup hero Yuvraj Singh posted an inspirational message on X. "Wishing everyone a Happy New Year," he wrote, encouraging fans to never stop believing in themselves and to keep pushing to be their best version.
Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh also joined in, wishing everyone a "Happy 2026" with a blessing in Punjabi: "Waheguru Mehar Kare."
Celebrations Amidst Sporting Commitments
The New Year festivities for some stars were balanced with serious sporting commitments. Alongside Kohli, Indian captain Rohit Sharma is also participating in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, highlighting the importance both stalwarts place on domestic cricket. Their presence has added significant star power to the tournament.
The social media posts from these cricketers provided a unique, personal touch, bridging the gap between the idols and their admirers. It showcased a lighter side of the athletes, who are often seen in the intense environment of competitive sports.
As 2026 unfolds, fans will be eager to see these stars carry the positivity from their celebrations onto the field, with major cricketing events lined up in the year ahead.
