As the clock struck midnight and the world ushered in 2026, the cricketing world didn’t stay behind in celebrating the dawn of a new year. From heartfelt family moments to playful social media updates, the fraternity came together to wish fans and followers a year filled with “maximums” and “clean bowls.”
While many players are currently grinding in the domestic circuit or preparing for upcoming international tours, they took a moment to reflect on 2025 and share their vision for the year ahead.
Virat Kohli’s wholesome start of 2026
The biggest headline of the morning came from none other than Virat Kohli. Known for his intensity on the field, Kohli showed his softer side by sharing a rare, candid photo with his wife, Anushka Sharma. The couple embraced a playful vibe to start the year, with Kohli sporting a Spider-Man face tattoo and Anushka rocking a colorful butterfly design.
“Stepping into 2026 with the light of my life,” captioned Kohli on Instagram.
Gautam Gambhir’s special wish
The India Men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir shared a heartwarming family picture, wishing the nation a year of progress and discipline.
“Entering 2026 hand in hand with my favourites! Happy New Year to all!” wrote Gambhir.
Chris Gayle’s heartwarming post for his fans
The ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle kept it energetic as always, sending out “Big Love” to his global fanbase with his signature flair.
“Happy New Year Everyone! Hope 2026 will be a better one 🙏🏿 Wish Yall happiness and success,” wrote Gayle on X.
Happy New Year Everyone! Hope 2026 will be a better one 🙏🏿 Wish Yall happiness and success 👊🏿🥂🥃#UniverseBoss
— Chris Gayle (@henrygayle) January 1, 2026
Official account for the BCCI also joined the festivities. For the Indian team, 2026 is a massive year, with the home series against New Zealand kicking off in just a few days on January 11 in Vadodara.
Here’s wishing everyone a very Happy New Year 🥳 🎇#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/l0AjVXFTK4
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 1, 2026
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Here’s how others wished on New Year:
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and successful New Year. May 2026 bring peace, purpose and progress🤗🤗#HappyNewYear #NewBeginnings pic.twitter.com/th4IhwNWqR
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 1, 2026
Warm wishes for a happy and healthy New Year to everyone. Here’s to new beginnings and a prosperous 2026 for all!
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) December 31, 2025
Wishing our passionate fans at home and around the world a Happy New Year 2026 from all of us at Sri Lanka Cricket 🎆
May the year ahead bring joy, unity, and many proud moments in blue and gold 🇱🇰🏏#HappyNewYear2026 #SriLankaCricket #OneTeamOneNation pic.twitter.com/N3eWmkaddY— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) December 31, 2025
Pichle saal Azmaaye bhi gaye the or nawaze bhi. Is saal nayi umeede. Happy New Year to everyone from Pathan family 🎆 pic.twitter.com/Rj4MyqlzNb
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 31, 2025
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year ❤️ Never stop believing in yourself, never stop inspiring others and keep pushing to be your best version 🔥 When the day gets tough, you don’t back down – you get up and do it again! 👊🏻 Grateful for the moments, the people and the experiences… pic.twitter.com/ujPTXBPAb1
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) December 31, 2025
Happy New Year everyone!🎉 pic.twitter.com/Rah6YZv6qr
— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) December 31, 2025
As the whole country stands in mourning, let us hope the days ahead bring peace, unity, and positivity for all. 🙏
May the Almighty bless our beloved country with strength, harmony, and a brighter future. 🇧🇩
Wishing everyone a prosperous and meaningful year ahead. ✨#LKD16 pic.twitter.com/hkaAzCZt1h
— Litton Das (@LittonOfficial) December 31, 2025
New Year came early 💛✨🥳#WhistlePodu #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/58a9YcMd9T
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) December 31, 2025
2025 has been special. With many firsts, this year will always have a very special place in my heart and our lives. Grateful for the endings and the beginnings.
Cheers to 2025 🍷🥳 pic.twitter.com/GForpAceAV— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) December 31, 2025
Wish for all of you a simple and happy 2026. Hopefully there will be a little less anger and many more smiles. Cheers
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 31, 2025
Wishing you a boundary-filled year! Happy New Year 2026! May your dreams score big and your spirit stay on top! #HappyNewYear pic.twitter.com/aebBlUb7Sg
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 1, 2026
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