From ad shoot, dating, heartbreak to marriage: Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma love story

Mumbai: It’s official! What could be one of the most talked about marriages in the recent times, in connection with Indian star couples, has happened in Italy as Team India skipper Virat Kohli and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma tied the knot.

Check out: See photos and videos: Love takes over as Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma marry in Italy

The wedding ceremony took place at Borgo Finocchieto, a countryside resort in Italy which also happens to be one of the most expensive holiday properties in the world.

The two shared photos of their social media channels with a message, reading: “Today we have promised each other to be bound in love forever. We are truly blessed to share the news with you. This beautiful day will be made more special with the love and support of our family of fans & well wishers. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey.”

While the media was abuzz with the reports of the impending marriage of the two since last week, the duo, who are expected to make the marriage announcement soon, have ended the speculation for once and for all.

Here’s how their beautiful love story unfolded:

Where did they meet first?

The two met during the ad shoot in 2013 for a TV commercial for a shampoo brand and it did not take too long for the sparks to fly. While Kohli, by then, had taken big strides to become one of the key components in the Indian side, Anushka too had found her feet in Bollywood.

(Photo: Screengrab)

How the love blossomed?

While neither Virat nor Anushka shouted from the rooftops about their relationship, the two neither tried too hard to hide it. Anushka and Virat were spotted together quite often. It was reported that after Indian team’s arrival from the South Africa tour in 2014 in Mumbai, Indian cricketer headed straight to Anushka’s home. The Bollywood actress also visited Virat during India’s tour to New Zealand in 2014.

Anushka was also present in Australia for a couple of Test matches later in 2014-15. Virat celebrated his Test hundred in Melbourne, and then appreciated Anushka’s presence in the stadium by blowing a flying kiss towards her. Anushka was also spotted with Virat at the Indian High Commission function in Australia and at the Darling Harbour in Sydney during the same tour.

Earlier, Anushka was also present in the stands during the India versus Sri Lanka ODI in November 2014 and after notching up a ton, Virat blew a flying kiss towards his lady love.

The two were spotted even during the Indian Super League (ISL) matches – a tournament where Virat co-owns FC Goa team.

(Photo: PTI)

(Photo: ISL)

The two made more than a handful of public appearances together; be it cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s wedding ceremonies, parties of Bollywood celebrities or recently, at the Zaheer Khan- Sagarika Ghatge’s reception in Mumbai- where the two also danced together.

There was also an instance when Shah Rukh Khan – Anushka’s co-star in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi – held a swayamvar of sorts for Virat during the Indian Premier League opening ceremony a few years ago and Virat could not stop blushing when Anushka’s photo popped up.

The storm:

There were times when Anushka was targeted on social media and was blamed for India’s defeat or Virat’s below-par showing; be it during her visit to England where Virat in 2014 or be it during the ICC World Cup 2015 semifinal against Australia in Sydney or be it the ICC World Twnety20 2016 semifinal versus West Indies in Mumbai.

Virat, in fact, came out in support of Anushka and slammed those who blamed Anushka for his or Indian team’s failure.

In a long post, Virat said: “Shame on those people who have been having a go at anushka for the longest time and connecting every negative thing to her. Shame on those people calling themselves educated. Shame on blaming and making fun of her when she has no control over what i do with my sport. If anything she has only motivated and given me more positivity. This was long time coming. Shame on these people that hide and take a dig. And i dont need any respect for this post. Have some compassion and respect her. Think of how your sister or girlfriend or wife would feel if someone trolled them and very conveniently rubbished them in public. #nocompassion#nocommonsense.”

“Heartbroken” Virat:

Earlier, in 2016 Virat took to his Instagram and posted a photo of himself with a caption “Heartbroken” which led to reports of him and Anushka’s alleged fall out. He deleted the photo and reposted it with a new caption, "Feels like I committed a crime deleting this picture. Haha sorry guys ????. Here it is again (sic)."

Back on track:

However, things were back on track soon as the two reconciled and sorted out whatever reported differences that were there. Virat went on to thank Anushka several times for making him a better person.

Marriage:

Amidst, some heavy-duty speculation back home, the two announced their marriage on Monday. It is earlier reported that the two will host a grand reception in Mumbai before Kohli leaves for a gruelling South Africa tour where India are going to play three Tests, six ODIs and three Twenty20s. Anushka is expected to join him for a while in South Africa.